Man falls from single engine airplane

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by August

Not me. I'd wear a parachute. If it comes time to terminate my relationship with the aircraft I don't want to fumble with belts and straps while the thing augers in.

The lowest I've jumped is 6k feet, and after jumps of between 12-14k that felt awfully close to the ground. 2.5k would be well into 'aaaaaaargh' territory for me.

It may be different for the static liners amongst you.

[Jimbuna]

Well whatever happened will be uncovered by the investigation hopefully but only the instructor will know the truth.

[August]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

The lowest I've jumped is 6k feet, and after jumps of between 12-14k that felt awfully close to the ground. 2.5k would be well into 'aaaaaaargh' territory for me.

It may be different for the static liners amongst you.

True dat. Hop and pop would be your only chance at that altitude.

[Schroeder]

I don't get it, why would anybody remove his safety belt in such an aircraft? I don't even do it while riding passenger liners but in such a small aircraft you have always to expect some bumbs during the ride, let alone an idiot pilot who pushes negative Gs to show off.

[GoldenRivet]

Originally Posted by Schroeder

let alone an idiot pilot who pushes negative Gs to show off.

Please keep in mind there is no proof that this is what happened, only one of a handful of possibilities

[Jimbuna]

Speculation is sure to evolve from such an incident...human nature.

[GoldenRivet]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Speculation is sure to evolve from such an incident...human nature.

Agreed

And I even "speculated" that it was a possibility that he was show boating

I think it was either that or a spin recovery.

The spin and recovery theory also holds water, the various forces at work during a spin and recovery could eject an unsecured man from an aircraft. Especially if by some reason the canopy opened on him.

With the limited info available its got to be one of the two scenarios because I can think of few ways a man could be thrown out of an unpressurized aircraft that hasn't disintegrated around him.

[Platapus]

I remember going through spin training. The forces can surprise you.

So do you think the canopy was not properly secured/locked?

[Schroeder]

Originally Posted by GoldenRivet

Please keep in mind there is no proof that this is what happened, only one of a handful of possibilities

I wasn't referring to this very case but to flying in general. There are quiet some pilots out there who like to pull stunts.

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

The lowest I've jumped is 6k feet, and after jumps of between 12-14k that felt awfully close to the ground. 2.5k would be well into 'aaaaaaargh' territory for me.

It may be different for the static liners amongst you.

Ya. An 800 foot drop DOES give you a 'tippy tingler'.

Combat height is more around 500 feet.
You get no reserve for those.
( not enuff fall height/time anyway!)

If you want real fun?
Drop at around 2000 feet and have someone 'steal' your air!
I ran off of more then one 'chute in my time.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by privateer

If you want real fun?
Drop at around 2000 feet and have someone 'steal' your air!
I ran off of more then one 'chute in my time.

No thanks. I like to be under canopy by 3k to chill out and enjoy the view.