Fri, Nov 23, 2007
Was Severely Injured During Practice Jump
A new skydiving record was clouded
this week by the death of one of the jumpers.
The Lakeland (FL) Ledger reports skydiver Joseph Lambraith of
Gilbert, AZ died Tuesday from injuries he suffered during a
practice jump last weekend.
Lambraith was one of 100 parachutists attempting to set a new
canopy skydiving record at Lake Wales Airport. To create the
'canopy', jumpers parachute from aircraft at staggered altitudes,
then join with other skydivers inflight -- with those who jumped
from higher altitudes hooking their feet into the lines of
parachutes of jumpers beneath them.
Lambraith, an experienced skydiver with around 5,000 jumps, was
among a small group of skydivers practicing for the record November
17, when his foot became entangled in the lines of a parachute
below him.
The skydiver whose canopy Lambraith struck landed safely, after
releasing his main 'chute and pulling his reserve. Lake Wales
firefighter Mike Sykes told The Ledger Lambraith was unable to free
himself from the other 'chute, and "spiraled out of control" and
impacted the ground hard.
An ambulance transported Lambraith to a local hospital. He
suffered a ruptured aorta, ruptured spleen, and several broken
bones in the fall.
The Polk County Sheriffs Department confirmed Wednesday
Lambraith died from his injuries the day before.
"Joe was a great skydiver and a great competitor," said Mike
Lewis, one of the event organizers. "I've known him for 25 years.
It's tough."
The remaining skydivers set the record shortly before noon
Wednesday. One hundred jumpers created a diamond formation close to
200 feet wide and 200 feet high -- large enough to show up on
radar.
More News
Ultralight Vehicle A single-occupant aeronautical vehicle operated for sport or recreational purposes which does not require FAA registration, an airworthiness certificate, or pilo>[...]
Aero Linx: 1-26 Association The Association’s goal is to foster the helpfulness, the camaraderie, and the opportunity for head-to-head competition that is found in One Design>[...]
Also: EAA Ray Foundation, MagniX Records, Ruko U11MINI Drone, RCAF PC-21s Elektra Solar recently put the first aircraft from its Elektra Trainer Fixed-Gear (FG) family into service>[...]
“Airline workers know far too well the devastating effects corporate bankruptcies have on the lives of hardworking Americans. Following 9/11, pilots, including myself, made e>[...]
Approach Speed The recommended speed contained in aircraft manuals used by pilots when making an approach to landing. This speed will vary for different segments of an approach as >[...]