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.

 

Lawsuit Financial Corporation has more combined litigation and litigation funding experience than any other company in the lawsuit finance marketplace. We work fast to approve your funding application because we know time is of the essence. Typically, funding can be available within 24 – 48 hours of approval. Our legal finance services are not based on your credit or work history, but rather on the strengths and merits of your lawsuit. Most importantly, our cash advances are non-recourse. This means that if a funded client loses his/her case, the cash advance is waived.

 

Contact us today to learn more or to apply for immediate financial relief. We can be reached via our website or by calling 1-877-377-SUIT (7848).

NTSB Preliminary Findings: Air Traffic Controller Sent Pilot to Nonexistent Landing Strip

It is difficult enough to suffer a life changing injury or the death of a loved from an airplane accident; the last thing victims should have to worry about is their finances. For those victims needing money now, a pre-settlement funding is a viable option.

A preliminary report by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the pilot killed when his plane crashed at a railroad crossing was directed by an air traffic controller to land on a nonexistent runway.

According to reports, the pilot started experiencing mechanical difficulties shortly after take-off. He radioed the Republic Airport in Farmingdale stating he was having altitude difficulties and needed to take down the Beechcraft C35 plane, but did not think he could make it to Republic. An air traffic controller provided information about a "Bethpage strip," the site of a former airport associated with defense contractor Northrup Grumman. Although the airport was closed, the controller said there was a usable runway still there. The next several transmissions revealed that the pilot could not find the landing strip and was being guided by the controller until all communications ceased. The plane's engine stalled and the aircraft went down striking the railroad crossing signal before bursting into flames. It is a miracle that a passenger survived the crash. The investigation found that the airport closed in 1990 and industrial buildings now occupy the former runway. The pilot is survived by his wife and three sons.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continue their investigation, including trying to determine why the pilot lost altitude and the plane stalled, the family of the pilot and the injured passenger may wish to consult an experienced aviation attorney.

Aircraft accidents lawsuits can typically take several years before a verdict or settlement is reached, leaving families struggling to pay mortgage payments, car payments, groceries, tuition and other necessary expenses caused by death or serious injury. Many will turn to an experienced lawsuit funding company for the financial assistance.

At Lawsuit Financial, we look only at the value and quality of the lawsuit for collateral. Therefore, there is no need for a credit check or employment history, no upfront fees or costs, and no monthly payment. Once an applicant is approved, the cash advance can be sent by check or wire, within 24-48 hours. More importantly, funding is provided on a non-recourse basis. This means if the case is lost, repayment of the cash advance is completely waived.

Lawsuit Financial Corporation has more combined litigation and litigation funding experience than any other company in the lawsuit finance marketplace. Contact us for a free, no-obligation analysis of your case or to apply for immediate financial relief.

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Lawsuit Financial Corporation is a leader in the lawsuit funding industry and recognized by attorneys nationwide as a preferred choice for legal funding services. We are dedicated to securing lawsuit cash advances to plaintiffs based on case assessment only. Every case is thoroughly reviewed to ensure the highest probability of being funded. With a streamlined process, our professional staff works to ensure that each request for funding is processed quickly and efficiently, with funding available in as little as 24 hours. Lawsuit Financial prides itself on honest and exceptional customer service. Putting our clients, and their specific funding needs, first is our number one goal.