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.

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.

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

Very sad.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"