Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Skydive Taupo
Text
Skydive Taupo did not equip its parachute drop pilots with lifejackets and was not required to do so, because its flights from Taupō aerodrome, which used the Taupō aerodrome parachute landing area, remained within gliding distance of land at all times. This accident illustrated how that scenario downplayed the possibility of a pilot having to ditch an aeroplane, or bale out and drift to a water landing.
Therefore the Commission is recommending that the Chief Executive of Skydive Taupo investigate options for equipping their parachute drop pilots with effective flotation devices.
Therefore the Commission is recommending that the Chief Executive of Skydive Taupo investigate options for equipping their parachute drop pilots with effective flotation devices.
Reply Text
I confirm I intend to implement the final recommendation in relation to equipping drop pilots with an effective flotation device. A Quality Action Request has been raised through the Skydive Taupo Ltd Quality Assurance system to address this. Once the suitable flotation equipment has been confirmed and made fit for purpose, pilot training will be introduced and conducted regarding water landing procedures. The recommendation will be fully implemented by the 31st of August 2017.
Related Investigation(s)