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If it was dusk / or into the sun / reflection / foggy googles (and mind) + super high speed, I can see how he missed seeing it. (parked longitudinally so he wasn't looking at a profile, just the tips of ailerons.)
I have a feeling the airport owner has realized the error and will prohibit anyone from using his/her property ever again. I guess they never considered the liability exposure allowing snowmobiler's to use their property. If you own property and someone gets hurt they WILL sue you no matter what the circumstances. Some shyster lawyer will take the case and at a minimum you are going to have to defend yourself in court.
I also wonder if the landowner has stopped allowing people to use/ride on his land. It wouldn't surprise me if other landowners also prohibit vehicles such as snow mobiles or ATV's
IDK, it says the helicopter was camouflaged, and it was on a trail that was designated for snowmobiling. How was he supposed to see it? They could have illuminated it if they knew they were parking it in the middle of an active trail used by snowmobilers. He's had multiple surgeries so far.
The bigger issue is what would happen when the drunk who'd popped some pills came around the corner at over 60 and there was another snowmobile coming the other direction?
He'll probably get something but it won't be anywhere near 10M.
This case will get dismissed under qualified immunity. The reason it's going public now is because the plaintiffs attorney wants to pressure the Government to settle the case. This is nothing more then wanting to make a quick buck. Snowmobiles are dangerous if you ride them unsafely.
Many years ago, I was safety and compliance supervisor for a trucking company. I would be rich if I had a nickel for every time I had to patiently explain that fixed objects don't hit trucks; trucks hit fixed objects. If you clip a sign or the edge of a building with your truck, it's a chargeable accident; it's on you.
What kind of chucklehead drives a snowmobile in the woods in the dark? That's the first problem right there.
You're kidding right ? Night riding is probably much safer than riding during the day. One can see the lights from oncoming snowmobiles much easier, and theirs less traffic. The key, is to try not to out ride your headlights, which is so easy to do with the hp and speeds moderns sleds are capable of.
The bigger issue is what would happen when the drunk who'd popped some pills came around the corner at over 60 and there was another snowmobile coming the other direction?
He'll probably get something but it won't be anywhere near 10M.
Exactly. Should the helicopter have had something, glow sticks or anything to help light it up, sure. The snowmobiler's mistake was drinking those beers , and the liquid courage that goes along with them. One must be ready for any type of obstacle when riding a snowmobile.
Many, many years ago, while riding the Western UP of MI, a buddy and I (no alcohol), riding side by side on a long straightway at night , got after it. We were probably doing 90ish when out of no where we see a locomotive off the side of the trail...a crossing in the middle of no where. Even the the locomotive had running lights, at 90mph, when one has tunnel vision there really weren't visible until it was too late. We both thought we bought the farm, but lucked out because it was just sitting there idling. We still talk about that incident, now 20 plus year later.
Like someone posted up thread, if someone screws up on a snowmobile, it is generally their own fault.
Exactly. Should the helicopter have had something, glow sticks or anything to help light it up, sure.
LOL The helicopters were there on a training mission. Training missions train for war. They practice wartime activities, including light discipline.
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