Jay Honeck wrote:

After landing in Deland, FL just last month (on our way to Titusville,
Florida), and witnessing the almost unbelievable sky-diving activity there,
it came as no surprise to read that there was a fatal accident there a
couple of days ago.

Um, Jay.. are you saying that they are dangerous? Or were they at a
different comfort level than what you are used to? The pilot AND the
jumper involved, according to their peers (who have posted about this
incident), were VERY well known for their approach to safety. This was a
case of Big Sky/Small plane that didnt quite work out.

I was especially saddened to see that the man who was killed had his legs
severed by the prop of a Turbo Otter -- the very twins they use as
jump-planes in Deland. Some of you may recall my post about how those
Otters were "diving into the base leg of the pattern" as we were landing,
which we found to be very disconcerting.

The poor guy survived long enough to land safely, only to bleed out on the
ground. It's hard to imagine a more horrifying accident.

No. That pretty much sums it up.. Bleedouts suck.

In my mind's eye I can picture the scene exactly. Those Otters diving
through an absolute *crowd* of skydivers under canopy (literally!)

I've seen pics of the jump plane heading down.. but I've never heard it
described like that before.

and other
planes in the pattern, trying to get back on the ground as quickly as
possible to haul up the next load -- it gave me the willies to watch.

I guess the only surprising thing is that this happens so rarely.

Yanno... A lot of people say the same thing about people flying them
small planes.

Very sad.

Yes.. And honestly, I think that the fact that accidents such as this
are so RARE is a testament to the safety of the system. Discussion among
the jumpers, both on usenet and in their forum.. lists a grand total of
maybe 4 people who have had fatal collisions with planes in God Knows
How Long.. FOUR. In YEARS.. More people than that DIED in the past 3
days in Houston Texas Traffic car wrecks. Its unfortunate that two of
the safest folks at the field (in the opinion of their peers) didn't see
and avoid each other.. with tragic results.

I flew into a drop zone on a private field a few years back.. The
operation was professional the whole way, and I coordinated with the
jump plane on the way in (and out) to avoid the flow of jumpers.. The
jump pilots knew where all their chutes were, and when they were on the
ground. I've personally not been to Deland, nor seen their operation,
but if they were as haphazard as you suggest, wouldn't it be raining
body parts from mangled meat-missles?

Dave