7/1 Sunday Evening Report

[bb_secretary]

On Saturday, June 30th 2012, Tony Deleo (aka Diablo) was gravely injured while attempting to land a flex wing hang glider in a debris basin west of the main LZ at Sylmar. At present, the extent of his injuries is not certain, but they are life threatening. We expect to have more clarity sometime Monday after family members consult with Tony's doctor.

The information provided to the community at this time is not meant to be inclusive and includes some speculation.

Tony's injuries encompass both skeletal and internal organ damage including but not limited to: numerous broken ribs which punctured and collapsed both lungs, loss of consciousness, possible fractured cervical vertebrae (broken neck), numerous fractures in the pelvic area (hip), fractured left elbow.

Currently, the most serious injuries threatening his survival are internal organ damage, especially his lungs. He has a lot of internal bleeding, which is being drained by numerous chest tubes. Tony is on a breathing machine.

Unconsciousness may be a concern, he reportedly had some degree of intermittent consciousness after the incident and the reason for his current unconscious state is not known by myself but may be understood by others and might be attributed to many possibilities including deliberate sedation. Hopefully we will learn more from his medical team soon. He was wearing a good quality full face helmet, but the helmet shows signs of significant impact damage. When I saw him Sunday evening, his face looked good (tan and handsome) without apparent contusions, lacerations, or swelling.

The possible broken neck is an obvious concern. His doctors likely have tested his motor response, but haven't communicated their findings to the family yet. Neck fractures pose a grave risk to the spinal cord, but many pilots have recovered from neck fractures with their spinal cord undamaged.

Pelvic fractures are serious, but hopefully not life threatening in Tony's case. His elbow is reportedly "shattered", but vital function stabilization is the current priority so they likely won't begin skeletal reconstruction until he is breathing on his own.

Diablo was flying a Wills Wing Eagle borrowed from Andy Beem. The Eagle is an intermediate double surface flex wing hang glider. Edward Skow reported Tony had gone west several miles to the West Towers and was returning upwind, but likely was not able to make it back to the main Landing Zone. Pilots were getting into the mid 4s, about a thousand over launch which is 3540. Sylmar's main LZ is 1370 so the vertical decent compares with the Eliminator to Parma, but offset 500 feet higher. Not sure which of several debris basins Diablo was targeting, but they are mostly a few hundred higher than the main LZ. Jeff Chipman posted an incident report on the Sylmar discussion page at http://shga.com/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3357 Jeff's posting contains some observations by airborne pilots, including an impact perception and a note that the LZ was sloping downhill into the prevailing wind. Edward relayed 2nd hand reports by non-pilots that indicate Tony may have caught a tip and "cart-wheeled" (spun?).

By the time Edward arrived at the crash site about 45 minutes after impact, no one was there and Tony was already being transported about 5 miles by ambulance to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills. Edward collected Diablo's gear and talked to the father of some children who witnessed the approach and crash. He then went to the hospital, but since he wasn't family, they wouldn't give him much information. Edward left the gear at Tony's house in Ventura.

Tony is approaching his 60th birthday. He is the oldest of 3 children. His parents passed away some years back. Tony lives with his girlfriend Alexandra in the house his dad built on the hill behind CMH. Tony had one son, Ryan, with his ex-wife Shelia in the late 80s. Tony's younger sister Nancy lives in San Diego. Tony's youngest sibling, Mike, lives in Paso Robles. Mike is 8 years younger than Tony and remembers his big brother taking him to watch hang gliding in the 70s when Mike was 12ish and Diablo was a college student at San Diego. Mike has been flying sailplanes for many years.

Upon returning to Ventura Saturday night, Edward went to Ryan's house and informed him of his dad's predicament. Ryan and his mom Shelia went to Tony's side followed by Ofelia, a long time friend who many veteran pilots might remember. His brother Mike got a call from Ryan early Sunday and dispatched immediately. His Sister Nancy was in Oklahoma and caught the first plane to LA. Alexandra is in Romania visiting her family and has booked a flight to get back Tuesday evening. Carolyn has been notified.

We are praying that Diablo will survive and bounce back. He has a long road to achieve that end so please be patient and continue to source positive karma. Double D and Tom Pipkin will try to keep the flying community informed of Tony's progress. Sharon Gruell spoke with Marcia Qyayle who called Todd...

Note: This announcement is locked, but you may comment by posting "new topics" or reply to other post pertaining to Tony's Incident under the Diablo Down forum at
http://scpa.info/bb/forum/viewforum.php?f=15.