kitebuggykev
05-09-2003, 11:44 PM
Apparently details follow about the manlifting (or being lifted by a kite while tied by a rope to an anchor), fatality that occurred at Airlie Beach, Qld on Wednesday, September 3, at around Noon. This was one of two kite related fatalities to occur in Australia on this date.
The 24 yr. old man was apparently trying to learn kiteboarding on his own using a used 11 m Liquid Force kite. He had secured himself to a football ( or soccer), goal post with a rope and was using a harness. Winds were strong at 20 to 25 kts. The man was reportedly lifted to 70 to 100 ft. off the ground and was subsequently "locked out" (hurled into the ground under line tension) or stalled the kite or otherwise caused the kite to drop him to the ground. The man reportedly suffered serious head injury on impact. The young man was reportedly an adventurous type, into base jumping. It was indicated that some other kiteboarders were at the park. The kiter survived a 25km ambulance trip to the Proserpine Hospital and from there a 250km helicopter ride to Townsville but died shortly afterwards or upon arrival.
Does anyone have any further info on these 2 deaths here in Australia??
To me this just highlights the safety precautions that need to be highlighted.
Regards
Kevin
The 24 yr. old man was apparently trying to learn kiteboarding on his own using a used 11 m Liquid Force kite. He had secured himself to a football ( or soccer), goal post with a rope and was using a harness. Winds were strong at 20 to 25 kts. The man was reportedly lifted to 70 to 100 ft. off the ground and was subsequently "locked out" (hurled into the ground under line tension) or stalled the kite or otherwise caused the kite to drop him to the ground. The man reportedly suffered serious head injury on impact. The young man was reportedly an adventurous type, into base jumping. It was indicated that some other kiteboarders were at the park. The kiter survived a 25km ambulance trip to the Proserpine Hospital and from there a 250km helicopter ride to Townsville but died shortly afterwards or upon arrival.
Does anyone have any further info on these 2 deaths here in Australia??
To me this just highlights the safety precautions that need to be highlighted.
Regards
Kevin