Title: Veteran Wingsuit Flyer Decapitated in Tragic Collision; Pilot Faces Manslaughter Trial
Date: [Date]
In a shocking incident that occurred in July 2018, veteran wingsuit flyer Nicholas Galy tragically lost his life when the wing of a plane struck him mid-air. The gruesome accident took place over the southern French countryside, and the pilot, Alain C, is now facing a manslaughter trial in France.
According to investigators, seconds after jumping from the plane at an altitude of approximately 14,400 feet, Nicholas Galy was struck by the aircraft’s left wing, resulting in his decapitation. The 40-year-old aeronautical engineer and experienced skydiver had been gliding with his wingsuit when the tragedy occurred.
Alain C, an employee of a local parachuting school, stands accused in the trial and could potentially face a 12-month suspended prison sentence recommended by prosecutors. The single-engine aircraft, piloted by Alain C, was carrying Galy and another wingsuit flyer, along with several parachutists, over the Bouloc-en-Quercy region.
Investigators highlighted that as the passengers were dropped off, the plane began descending rapidly. At the same time, the two wingsuit flyers had completed their free falls and began gliding with their suits. It was during this descent that the plane caught up with Nicholas Galy, causing the fatal collision that killed him. The impact also triggered the emergency deployment of Galy’s parachute.
The court proceedings revealed that a camera mounted on the other wingsuit flyer’s helmet had recorded the collision, which authorities utilized for their investigation. Alain C claimed that he lost sight of Galy and his fellow wingsuit flyer after they jumped, asserting that he veered the aircraft away from their assumed glide paths.
However, prosecutors disputed Alain C’s defense, arguing that Galy had followed proper procedures and complied with safety regulations. Prosecutors stated that the victim was the only one who obeyed the rules without negligence.
Although Alain C insisted that the responsibility for Galy’s death did not lie with him, it was discovered that he had violated regulations during the ill-fated flight. The investigation report revealed that Alain C’s flying license carried a medical restriction that prohibited him from flying alone.
Acknowledging the invalidity of his license for that particular flight, Alain C conceded that his actions were in breach of regulations. Additionally, Alain C’s employer, the Midi-Pyrénées Parachuting School, is also facing a fine of $10,600 for allegedly failing to verify the pilot’s license.
During the court proceedings, Isabelle Deschamps, president of the parachuting school, emphasized that the school has since strengthened its security measures and made detailed flight briefings mandatory.
The verdict for the case is expected to be announced on November 21. This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in extreme sports and the importance of adhering to safety procedures to prevent such devastating accidents from occurring in the future.