Wingsuit Skydiver Decapitated by Airplane Wing in Tragic Accident
A tragic incident occurred in July 2018 when a highly experienced wingsuit skydiver was decapitated by the wing of an airplane shortly after jumping. Reports have recently emerged during the pilot’s manslaughter trial, shedding light on the shocking details of the accident.
The victim, 40-year-old Nicholas Galy, had an impressive record of over 225 successful jumps under his belt. He embarked on this ill-fated jump alongside another skydiver over the picturesque town of Bouloc-en-Quercy in South France. Both individuals exited the single-engine Pilatus airplane from a height of approximately 14,000 feet.
According to testimonies presented during the trial in Montauban, France, the pilot of the plane, identified as 64-year-old Alain C, rapidly descended after the two wingsuit-outfitted skydivers left the aircraft. Unfortunately, as the plane caught up with the skydivers in mid-air, the left wing struck Galy, causing his head to be severed in the tragic accident.
Miraculously, Galy’s body landed safely in a field after his emergency parachute deployed. However, the loss of his life sent shockwaves through the skydiving community and beyond.
Alain has since been charged with manslaughter, with prosecuting attorneys asserting that his errors directly resulted in Galy’s decapitation. Throughout the trial, Alain vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Galy had deviated from the expected course and should not have been in that location.
Alain further argued that he believed Galy to be further south, unaware that the skydiver was actually parallel to the plane. “I think my flight path made sense,” Alain stated. “This has been the tragedy of my life, but I am not at fault.”
In a startling revelation, it was also disclosed that Alain was operating the plane without a valid license, violating restrictions imposed due to a medical condition. This added to the prosecution’s case against him.
The trial has brought to light the complexities and potential dangers inherent in wingsuit skydiving. Alain conceded that he had failed to brief the skydivers adequately, acknowledging that he had lost track of the wingsuit duo and erroneously assumed he had cleared their path. He emphasized that wingsuit jumpers do not descend significantly, often leading to conflicts with planes.
Jeanne Regagngon, the prosecutor, argued during the trial that Galy had followed all the rules diligently and without negligence on that particular day. As a result, she requested a 12-month suspended sentence for Alain, along with a substantial fine of at least $10,000 for his employer.
This harrowing incident serves as a grim reminder for both skydivers and pilots about the importance of meticulous planning and adherence to safety measures. As the trial progresses, the court will consider the evidence and determine the fate of Alain, as well as assess the responsibility of his employer in ensuring proper licensing and compliance.
The loss of Nicholas Galy’s life has undoubtedly left a profound impact on his loved ones and the skydiving community. This tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in pursuing adrenaline-fueled adventures and the utmost importance of safety protocols to prevent such devastating incidents from happening again.
Source: The Times of London