A good one for analysis because the pilot hass been willing to talk
about it.
First, we are happy that the pilot is able to discuss his
brush with death and, secondly, that he is willing. In fact, he
offered up the video, recorded by his brother-in-law, so the world could
learn. He realizes the most important point to take away from this is
how dangerous it is to take on marginal weather conditions.
If it
doesn't feel right, your risk of mishap indeed goes up. Success in the
face of such feelings is misleading—that common logic error wrongly
posits that not getting hurt in an dangerous endeavor means the endeavor
is safe.
Many accidents, like this one, include the comment that
something "wasn't right" with either the weather or gear. In this case
it first came before launch: the pilot put his gear away due to
unfavorable kiting conditions. When it happens with equipment, we know
about a problem, but think (hope) that it will last for one more flight.
Usually that's merely expensive, but it can be worse.
Events
This accident is the subject of the February 2008 Incidents column
and, after the magazine comes out, more will be included here.
You can
hear the crash being discussed on the PPG Radio show for Jan 15, 2008
with the pilot, John Black, and experienced maneuvers instructor Chris
Santacroce. Besides being an extremely accomplished pilot, Chris has a
realistic understanding about how humans behave in stressful situations.
The
video is below.
Sometimes the launch decision is easy. Many other times, though, it's not.
