HPAC Investigation of recent Tandem Fatality
An official investigation has been launched by HPAC into the tandem hang gliding accident at Mount Woodside near Agassiz, BC on April 28, 2012. It has named Martin Henry as its official Investigator, with the assistance of Jason Warner, HPAC Safety Chair.
Martin Henry was previously the Official HPAC/ACVL Accident Investigator for the BC Coroner’s Service in the Fort Langley Tandem HG Fatality (2003) and is an expert in world industry standards for hang gliders, related equipment, reserve parachute and harness construction, maintenance and repair. He is a former President of HPAC/ACVL and an active participant in the Transport Canada/NAV Canada Airspace Review.
He is an active Master-rated Hang Glider pilot since 1973, active paraglider pilot since 2006, was a member of the 1989 HPAC/ACVL World Team and is a Hang Gliding World Record Holder.
The Investigator’s mandate is to determine the cause of the accident and, as necessary, to provide recommendations to prevent future accidents. His investigation will include the evaluation of all evidence: pilot, witness interviews, police statements/reports, glider and equipment, video information and any other evidence deemed pertinent to the investigation. A final report will be submitted within thirty days of the examination of the physical evidence, date to be determined.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Mr. Henry will provide a written report to HPAC/ACVL. He will also be providing active assistance as requested to the RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service for their investigations.
