Jumper flies into power lines

[Craig 0]

A low time jumper with aprox. 21 jumps apparently misjudged the wind direction and set up final going downwind by misinterpreting the wind blade. The jumper was on a course that would have landed them clear of the lines but turned about 45 degrees and headed towards them at about 200 feet to "face into the wind" (directly downwind) and the canopy caught the lines. Several electrical arcs occured and the jumper fell about 4 feet onto their back when the canopy slipped off the lines. The jumper was checked out and was alright except for a sore back. It is also apparent that the jumper didn't notice the lines until after the collision even though the location of them is brought to students attention during the FJC, and to this particular jumpers attention again by a coach last weekend. The canopy suffered severe damage to several cells during the strike.

[dropdeded 0]

Glad he's allright,where did this happen ?
dropdeded

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The Dude Abides.
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[weegegirl 2]

ummmm.... smart. BEER.

[PhreeZone 20]

Since no one else has thought to bring this up yet? What lessons can be learned from this?

1) Inspect any landing area before jumping for obsticals that are easly over looked from the air like wires, fences and the like. Memorize them and remember them at 1000 feet.

2) Read the windsock and note the direction you have to land before takeoff, just incase someone downwinds it right before you land.

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[SkydiveMonkey 0]

I find looking at where the sun is in relation to the wind is useful as well.

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Say no to subliminal messages

[quade 4]

Quote

What lessons can be learned from this?

Assume that anything you can see from the air that is a straight line also has an invisible hazard near that line.

For instance, you should assume that a road also has a fence and power lines near it. Even if you can't see them from 1,000 feet, they're probably there.

At the edge of a cow pasture, you'll usually find some sort of fence. That fence might be made out of barbed wire and may be impossible to see while in flight.

Unless you know for certain otherwise, assume all property boarders are hazards.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver