quade 4 #26 August 4, 2002 The following ran at http://www.news-gazette.com/story.cfm?Number=12066 on the morning of the accident. So far, there doesn't appear to have been a story that has ran about the accident. ********************************* It´s raining men, women in Rantoul By PAUL WOOD © 2002 THE NEWS-GAZETTE Published Online August 2, 2002 RANTOUL – When Luis Primetto isn't busy sky diving at the World Free Fall Convention, he's packing chutes to make some cash. The 23-year-old Venezuelan can pack a parachute in less than 10 minutes, a handy skill when up to 8,000 dives take place each of the 10 days of competition at what used to be Chanute Air Force Base. He makes $5 a chute, sometimes more, and uses that money to support his habit of several jumps a day. Primetto and his friends, also from Venezuela, rented a Twin Otter jump plane in Florida that handles up to 22 sky divers. "It's a great plane," he says. "It takes you up to 14,000 feet in 10 minutes, and that's fast – half the usual time. So you get more jumps in." It's not a bad idea to have an experienced sky diver pack your chute. You want the best equipment you can get when you're hurtling toward the sun-baked ground. Beth Mahlo, the public relations director for the convention, would much rather talk about how much fun sky diving is than about how dangerous it can be. She's honest but not eager to talk about the deaths associated with the convention in its years in Quincy. In 13 years, she said, about 11 people had lethally hard landings. "In every case, it was pilot error," she said, the pilot being the person wearing the parachute. Safety is a top concern, she said. Even practices that might sound dangerous, like fueling airplanes while their engines are still hot, are actually standard in sky diving because they're safer, keeping the planes in figure-eight patterns flying in proper order and distance. She said volunteers have been working for two weeks in 90-degree heat to make the convention as safe as possible. The average staffer loses 10 pounds during the experience, she added. Chuck Surges, a veteran diver from Columbus, Ind., said he likes the thrill, but he's no danger junkie. "We don't have a wish to die. We have a wish to live," says Surges, who also likes white-water rafting and other adrenaline-surging sports. "We fly. We don't just jump. We actually fly," he said. His friend Greg "Oz" Iosbaker, a sky diver for 13 years, enjoys a little flamboyance – including neon-green hair. "It matches my jumpsuit. If I hit the grass, I'll match the grass," he joked. Even these two veterans are too cautious to consider participating in one of the flashiest exhibitions at the convention, pond-swooping. "That's a little too fast," Iosbaker says of the surface-skimming jumps. The World Free Fall Convention has a regulation-sized 40,000-square-foot pond, bordered with white sand, upon which canopy pilots negotiate a floating course of "airblades" whipping in the wind. Convention organizer Don Kirlin said pond-swooping has seen enormous evolution in recent years. "Three or four years ago, you could probably go 70, 60 feet (on the surface of the pond.) The new world record is 418 feet, thanks in part to a very radical canopy," Kirlin said. Such canopies have only 75 square feet of material. "It's like having a Kleenex over your head," he said. Mahlo predicted air traffic at the convention will temporarily make it the third-busiest airport in the state. More than 65,000 jumps were made in 2000, its most successful year, with 5,200 aircraft takeoffs and landings bearing 5,732 registered sky divers from 55 countries. The Illinois Bureau of Tourism estimates the 2000 convention brought $6.7 million in economic impact to the Quincy area. "We're very happy to be in Rantoul," Mahlo said. "We want everyone to know we're not that balloon festival. All we want is for people to give us a chance." World Free Fall Convention When: Today through Aug. 11. Admission: $3 for 12 and older. Free for children younger than 12. Parking: Free. Directions: Organizers will have signs directing motorists from U.S. 45, U.S. 136 or Interstate 57 to the event on the grounds of the former Chanute Air Force Base. Planes and jumps: The convention's fleet of aircraft will make possible as many as 8,000 jumps each day. Aircraft to be used include an inverted Bell 412 biplane, a Pitts biplane, hot air balloons, a fleet of Casas aircraft, two Super Otters, a B-17 bomber, a B-24 bomber and a Connie. More information: Call 222-5867 or visit the convention's Web site, www.freefall.com.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallRate 0 #27 August 4, 2002 QuoteYour attitude towards the unfortunate accident reveals much about you. I'll try to live with myself. FallRate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
megscott73 0 #28 August 4, 2002 A friend just returned from the convention this evening & said there was another accident not involving any skydivers. A man fell off his bicycle, hit his head, and died. My friend said it appears the only safe place is the sky... Really sad & my prayers are with bothe families & all who are involved.======================= "What I want is what I've not got ,but what I need is all around me"-DMB Meghan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #29 August 4, 2002 QuoteQuoteCome on people, don't fret. Actually, let's not take our eyes off the ball too quickly... there are people out there who's lives have just been changed forever by the loss of someone they loved. So what that he / she wasn't a skydiver or (allegedly) did something we perceive as not smart? You can quote me on this: I'll rather not skydive than loose my compassion. My condolences to the family and friends.... I agree HH. I know my post was in bad taste. Trying to make light of a shitty situation. Although, I wish some one woulda told him to get back where he belonged, i dont remember exactly but I think he was told he wasnt supposed to be there. DiDnt mean to sound like a cold bastard(too late, I know )My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #30 August 4, 2002 QuoteA friend just returned from the convention this evening & said there was another accident not involving any skydivers. A man fell off his bicycle, hit his head, and died. My friend said it appears the only safe place is the sky... Really sad & my prayers are with bothe families & all who are involved. Not FYI- I saw it happen, he did get up and walk after the fact. he ended up with some facial fractures. I do not have an update beyond that. Michael Webmaster Michael@Freefall.com----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iflyme 0 #31 August 4, 2002 QuoteA man fell off his bicycle, hit his head, and died. Was he wearing a helmet? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
klafollette 0 #32 August 4, 2002 Here's an article on the helicopter accident http://www.news-gazette.com/story.cfm?Number=12077 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #33 August 4, 2002 OMG! Tim Kalendek was NOT a whuffo! I jumped with him last year at Skydive Delmarva and we corresponded a little bit trying to get back to the dz on the same weekend again since we had so much fun jumping together. WE never did get to jump again since I moved to Florida. He was a super cool guy and so much fun to jump with. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends. Blue Skies Tim. sad dove Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 7 #34 August 4, 2002 Man....I just got home from SummerFest because of being ill and I read this. As a jump pilot this is the worst nightmare I can think of. I feel bad for the jumper killed. I feel very bad for Rod. As for those that don't believe this is a "skydiving" accident I will respectfully disagree with you. Jump aircraft are necessary for getting you to altitude to do what you want. They are a necessary evil. If something happens on a chair lift to take you to the top of the mountain is that not a "skiing" accident? I would say yes. I know people will disagree with this. I know I won't change your mind. Just adding my .02 to this thread. As a jump pilot, these hazards must be recognized to do our job. It may not be "skydiving related" to you. But it IS to me as a jump pilot.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rhonda66 0 #35 August 4, 2002 Condoleneces to family and friends. You never expect something like that too happen - Rhonda PP ASEL Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonno5 0 #36 August 5, 2002 Well i was not there and have only read the newspaper report but if as it was stated the blades did hit the guy then the blades were too close to the ground.The take off is the most dangerous part of a helicopters flight profile,i know the pilots are under alot of pressure to put on a good show and provide a thrilling ride,but they need to exercise a degree of common sense.With the blades that close to the ground there is zero room to maneuver, regardless of the need be it a malfunction,or or in this case an unforeseen spectator jumping up. Just my opinion anyway.My heart goes out to all concerned,including the pilot who will probably relive this day for the rest of his life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SAMPLEKSample 0 #37 August 5, 2002 Its a sad thing... and so is trying to understand the media...this sport will remain unique for obvious reasons, and it could just be our entire lives and we may never see anything but outsiders looking down at us...in fear. But remember that no part of this sport is for anyone but us... We will keep going strong, both united and so solo... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,096 #38 August 5, 2002 >Come on people, don't fret. A spectator bit it in a fashion suitable > for a Darwin Award! Please keep in mind that we all participate in a sport which, if it causes our death, automatically enters us in the Darwin Award competition. "What, he jumped out of an airplane and then died? Well, duh." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salling772 0 #39 August 5, 2002 this idiot is what make the jump prices go up!! Now rod will have to get the blade repared or a new one. This is not chep. This can keep him out for most if not all of the convention.---------------------------------------------- All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. J. R. T. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #40 August 5, 2002 The lack of tact and compassion in here is utterly amazing... and disappointing. KrisSky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #41 August 5, 2002 Check your priorities. Somebody just died and you're worried about whether you can jump the helicopter or not? Kinda heartless Stephen.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scratch 0 #42 August 5, 2002 To the more callous amoung you. Accidents happen quickly, shockingly so and they can happen to anybody. Tomorrow it might be your turn. Would you like people to be laughing then...I don't think so. My condolences to all who knew and loved him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallRate 0 #43 August 5, 2002 QuotePlease keep in mind that we all participate in a sport which, if it causes our death, automatically enters us in the Darwin Award competition. Finally, someone who understands the point. OK, truthfully, he doesn't have much of a clue concerning the point, but he still came through with a wonderfully supportive statement. Thanks Bill! FallRate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 7 #44 August 5, 2002 QuoteOK, truthfully, he doesn't have much of a clue concerning the point, Ewwwwww......bad form......unecessary comment. Take that to PM if you want to. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymouse 0 #45 August 5, 2002 we strive to make things fool proof its just that fools are so inovative. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallRate 0 #46 August 5, 2002 I'm quite sure that Bill will survive this indignation. FallRate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #47 August 5, 2002 Preliminary Accident and Incident Data Quote IDENTIFICATION Regis#: 464AC Make/Model: B12 Description: BELL 412 HELICOPTER Date: 08/03/2002 Time: 0052 Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N Damage: None LOCATION City: RANTOUL State: IL Country: US DESCRIPTION BELL 412 HELICOPTER INVOLVED IN SKYDIVING OPERATION, TAKING OFF WITH A LOAD OF SKYDIVERS WHEN AILROTOR STRUCK AND FATALLY INJURED A SPECTATOR, RANTOUL, IL INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 1 # Crew: 1 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: # Pass: 9 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: # Grnd: Fat: 1 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: WEATHER: METAR TIP 030056Z AUTO 07009KT 10SM BKN043 BKN055 BKN065 26/21 A3010 RMK A02 LCTD IN AAA NWS/MB OTHER DATA Activity: Business Phase: Take-off Operation: General Aviation Departed: NONE Dep Date: Dep. Time: Destination: UNKN Flt Plan: NONE Wx Briefing: U Last Radio Cont: NONE Last Clearance: NONE FAA FSDO: SPRINGFIELD, IL (GL19) Entry date: 08/05/2002 quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #48 August 5, 2002 Steve, Comments like that really show your true colors. maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,131 #49 August 5, 2002 I hear there's been another one, at the swoop pond. Take care, people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 7 #50 August 5, 2002 Please, guys. No more rumors. The people at the convention will post what they know when they know it. Too many rumors go around at every convention. EVERYONE swears that there were two or three fatalities at every convention. Even heard it at the one I was at when there were NO fatalities. So, I know people "hear" a lot but let's let the ones there post what they know or can dispute. Man I hope this is not true. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
