Teen and Instructor Killed in Tandem Skydive When Parachute Fails To Open

Two tandem skydivers fell to their deaths when their parachute failed to open. One of the victims was an 18-year-old who was jumping for the first time. His family was watching when the teen hit the ground. The other victim was a veteran flight instructor, according to Bill Dause, owner of the Lodi Parachute Center. According to reports, the two skydivers died on impact; their bodies were found in a Lodi vineyard. "Something may have gone out of sequence in the jump, said Dause." The wind and other conditions were "perfect" at the time of the jump, he said. "Conditions had nothing to do with it." Dause also said the instructor had completed more than 700 hours of jump time.

 

The initial investigation revealed that the parachute did not open until after impact. Under further investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it was discovered that the skydiving instructor was not certified by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). There were actually no records found under his name.

 

Executive director of USPA, Ed Scott said tandem-jump instructors are required to have three years of experience, made more than 500 jumps and completed a three-day tandem-jump course that includes 10 jumps. Skydiving schools are responsible to ensure instructors are properly trained and certified.

 

The Lodi Parachute Center was in the news in February after a solo skydiver died after a parachute malfunction. In May, a small plane carrying 17 skydivers took off from the center and landed upside-down after clipping a pickup. Fortunately, the worst injuries were minor cuts and scrapes.

 

If investigators determine that this accident resulted from defective equipment, the owner of the center, parts manufacturers, and/or inspectors could be held liable. The owner may also be held liable if it is determined that he hired an untrained instructor, who was also not certified.

 

These types of wrongful death lawsuits will typically last years before a verdict or settlement is reached. Insurance companies will prolong the claim to force the plaintiff to settle for much less than they deserve. A plaintiff that is financially strapped will often accept such and offer just to maintain financial responsibilities. A better option would be to apply for pre-settlement lawsuit funding, money given in advance of an expected settlement or jury verdict to pay mortgage payments, car payments, funeral expenses and other necessary expenses caused by death.

 

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