View Single Post
  #4  
Old 10-27-2006, 08:32 AM
ricki's Avatar
ricki ricki is offline
Administrator
Site Admin
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Florida
Posts: 8,700
Default

There is precedent for such a line capture HERE and in other incidents. These events dictate avoiding the use of clips that open easily and capture flight/control lines even if situated closer to the kiter's body as was the case in the incident described above.


There is another configuration for attachment of kite leashes shown above. Attachment of the clip just below the control bar over the chickenloop line is also described by other manufacturers. The likelihood of a line snag is lessened but not removed if the "soft" clips (easily opened clips) are used even in this position.

The kite may have been stalled by a sudden lull or otherwise impacted by a violent gust to where it hit the water. Perhaps after the kite hit the water the flying lines became slack and crossed over the leash clip. When the kite either autorelaunched in the gusty weather or by the efforts of the rider, the leader may have been pulled into the clip. The leader line was clipped in several feet over the riders head and out of his reach. He may have decided to totally depower the kite to drop it to the water to try to better manage the situation. Unfortunately, due to the clipped leader this did not happen. In fact the power of the spiraling may have initiated or have become much worse after the quick release was pulled. The kite might continuing spiraling indefinitely until it stopped flying. The rupturing of the leading edge of the kite on the beach probably caused this to happen.

The man died from a heart attack likely related to the stress of the situation, perhaps due to possible lack of air during the dragging, perhaps related to his weight and other factors. He had know apparent history of historical heart problems or treatment. If the wind had been more onshore he might have suffered severe trauma while being pulled across land.
__________________
FKA, Inc.

transcribed by:
Rick Iossi
Reply With Quote