The accident had similarities to many other loftings before that time in 2005 and since only a good deal more so. I was never able to find out many of the details as there was only one kiter eye witness of most of the accident who was understandably shaken by what he had seen. The main component is too much wind, our kites are wings in effect. If they see a lot of wind, they lift gaining height above the surface. If that wind is strong and sustained, you will go higher particularly with the less variable AOA traditional C kites. There is no need for exotic updrafts or other strange weather phenomena, just add a lot of wind.poools81 wrote:how does that happen rick L? storm? updrafts?
He hit a mountain bordering the coastal lagoon the kiter, a commercial jetliner pilot, was riding in. It is possible that his altitude was increased by ridge lift over rising terrain. Kiters who are lofted inland may experience a bump up and lengthening of the lofting inland due to these boundary effects.
We needed to be aware of and work to avoid sources of excessive and/or unstable winds in the C kite days as we still do today. People are still getting injured and killed in the old fashioned ways, just with less frequency fortunately for us.
