Main 'Chute Failed To Open

A Reynoldsburg, OH man suffered fatal injuries while skydiving Saturday afternoon near the Fairfield County Airport (LHQ) after his main parachute failed to open.

An Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesman said Harry T. Short, 59, had jumped in a group with two other skydivers from a single-engine Cessna flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Tracking away from the others, Short attempted to deploy his main parachute, which failed to open.

Short then used his reserve parachute, but was too low by the time it opened to avoid injury. He impacted the ground about one mile northeast of LHQ, and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Highway Patrol said Short was an experienced skydiver with more than 450 jumps to his credit, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

Manager Gene Newsom of Start Skydiving, based at Lebanon-Warren County Airport (I68), was acquainted with Short. "He was a really good guy," Newsom said, adding that while Short was not a skydiving instructor, he had helped coach beginners.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.startskydiving.com