Soldier survives parachute terror.A Midland soldier survived a fall of almost a mile after his parachute parachute, umbrellalike device designed to retard the descent of a falling body by creating drag as it passes through the air. The development of modern aircraft has led to many experiments in the aerodynamic problems of parachute design, with the result that the failed to open properly during a training exercise in Canada.Pte Paul Delaney, from Hereford, smashed into the ground at 70 miles an hour but incredibly escaped with just broken legs and hip. The 22-year-old Royal Greenjacket had battled to untangle his parachute, which snarled snarl 1 v. snarled, snarl·ing, snarls v.intr. 1. To growl viciously while baring the teeth. 2. To speak angrily or threateningly. v.tr. at 4,500 feet above the ground, before losing consciousness. He came round 24 hours later. Pte Delaney will return to Britain tomorrow after being treated in Calgary. He will continue his recovery at a naval hospital in Portsmouth. The accident happened in Alberta. After jumping the Pte Delaney was caught in turbulent winds and began spinning out of control. The ropes of his parachute wrapped around the canopy which collapsed - leaving him falling faster and faster. His mother, Mrs Anne Delaney, a nurse, flew out to be at her son's bedside following the accident. His father Mr Bill Delaney Bill Delaney (died 1980) was a famous Gaelic football player for Laois GAA. His sudden death in July 1980 brought great sadness to the entire county but rekindled memories of a glorious career in the Gaelic Athletic Association as a player, referee and administrator. , himself a former soldier, said: "It was only his fourth jump but I'll take him up with me to jump when he is fit again." |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion