I've been asked by several folks to give a technical summary of the fatality at TF so others can learn from this, and even accused (in a respectful way) by a few folks of holding back info that could help others be more safe.

For the record, there is an official technical investigation going on right now and when the results of that investigation are complete, I am sure a qualified individual will post them for everyone to review. I am not that person - I was on the load, but I am far from the most experienced either as a jumper or as an incident investigator. I was just in the right/wrong place at the right/wrong time to be the person who witnessed Brian's fatality from the closest/most clear perspective.

In the meantime, there are many rumors going around about the incident - some of which have a kernel of truth, most of which are flat-out wrong. Take them with a whole shaker full of salt until the official results are released. Some are harmless, but others could actually cause jumpers to make dangerous decisions if one were to act on them.

What is know and publicly stated (and correct) is as follows: Brian exited stable, he deployed a BOC pilot chute less than 2 seconds after exit. His pilot chute did not inflate until just before impact, too late to extract his canopy. He died as a result of his injuries. That is all known, and all uncontrovertial.

Beyond that, please wait before passing judgment or making assumptions. If this causes you to experience gear fear, good! Think about your gear, don't take it for granted ever. That's good advice irrespective of what caused this sad incident.

I am sorry to sound like a tease, but I am torn by my desire (shared by everyone) to share facts that can help us all jump safer, and my understanding that sharing "facts" that aren't confirmed yet (or are out of context) could (and would) create more confusion and misunderstanding than it would ever clear up.

In the meantime, be safe.

Peace,

D-d0g
ddog@wrinko.com
www.wrinko.com