1 Matches (out of a total of 833 incidents)

1. Date	Location	Category	Age	# Jumps	AAD?/RSL?	Dropzone.com Report	Dropzone.com Discussion
   16/02/2005	Skydive Arizona, AZ	LOWT	39	4000	N/N	87	#1486084
   Description: Eyewitness accounts state that the jumper negotiated his parachute into an area with obstacles. It appeared that the jumper made an avoidance manuever 40 feet above the ground and impacted shortly there after. The obstacles included two aircraft hangars, one on each side, seperated by a fence and a large dumpster on one side of the fence, closest to impact.
   Lessons:
   USPA Description: After an uneventful 2-way skydive and initial canopy descent, this jumper made a low turn while attempting to land outside of the drop zone’s main landing area. He struck the ground hard while still in a turn.
   USPA Conclusions:This jumper opened his parachute with enough altitude to reach the main landing area but apparently chose to land closer to his freefall partner, who had not. The area where this jumper chose to land was described as a hazardous, triangular area surrounded by buildings, power lines and fencing. After a series of rapid S-turns, he made a final 90-degree turn in an attempt to land in the only remaining clear area available. There was not enough altitude remaining for the canopy to resume straight and level flight. He was jumping a cross-braced canopy at a wing loading estimated to be 1.9:1, which would produce a considerable forward speed and descent rate, especially after maneuvering. Canopies of this design and wing loading will often cover hundreds of feet during the final approach and landing, requiring a large, open area to land safely. Even though this jumper had been jumping at this wing loading for the past three years, he apparently misjudged his approach into this landing area, perhaps distracted by the multitude of hazards. Jumpers should plan descents that allow them to land in large, clear areas, whether it is the regular drop zone landing area or an open area away from the drop zone. Skydiver’s Information Manual Section 5-1.F includes recommendations for off-field landings. A braked approach and landing may have been a better option for a landing area surrounded by obstacles. The coroner’s report showed evidence of marijuana in this jumper’s system, but it was not possible to determine how much time had passed since the use of the drug or whether it affected his judgment at the time of this jump. Ultimately, jumpers must complete all turns with enough altitude for the canopy to return to straight and level flight for the landing flare.
   Name	Kenneth Scott Cosgrove