News article
here and
here.

scott sigal<<scottsigal>>
writes:

As a fellow hang glider pilot and long-time fly-buddy and friend
of Luis's I was happy to tug him up for a quick tandem tow as I prepared myself
for a good rare, French "flatlands" day. We had had a hot but fun day the day
before in Champagne Ardenne, so there was no stress. We were simply looking
forward to the higher than usual cloud bases announced. He was relaxed and up to
his best at being careful and enthusiastic as many pilots and friends will
remember him.

This was the second tandem flight of the day and we use the latest dual-point
tow systems and releases that we have learned to use in the past 25+ years or
more of aerotowing. Our club's North Wing T2 is considered, and we consider it,
one of the best tandem gliders around including for aerotowing. Furthermore our
trike tug is maybe not a Dragonfly, which is much more "relaxing" to tow with,
but is a well suited trike and wing we continually tow with.

I have many hours of towing and at being towed  in all conditions and the
day was "thermic." but quite calm. On tow takeoff from his dolly went well and
as usual I never felt Luis behind me. He and I could "thermal" together on tows
on the good days.. As I rotated and picked up a bit of speed I did feel him pull
left. I kept normal power and did not feel any signs of a strong lock-out, which
I guarantee you any experienced tug pilot can feel, until I looked over and saw
Luis's glider continuing to pull left, but not so much in climb. I even though
maybe I should release, which is not always the safest option given the weak
links and corrective pilot decisions in general.

We were not at more than twenty meters above the ground. Hardly beginning the
climb. In any case, whatever I might have thought or done, I did not have time.
I felt the "release" and saw him continue his bank and spiral left with too
little ground room. His glider hit hard but not at full bank and the glider
suffered only a bent left leading edge and two down tubes.

Luis passed away in our presence within minutes we are sure. I was there, but in
respect to his family and friends we are letting the inquiry work do it's course
before drawing any conclusions of any sort.

Luis's passenger was in fact hurt and shocked at the time but is now out of
danger and we as friends and a hang gliding club are doing everything we can to
support Luis's family, who have now arrived in France, and his spouse Johana to
bear the burden as things evolve too fast for them. It's only been two hard and
short days. I hope all his friends will not only love him but also respect this
mourning of the family.

There will be a spontaneously ceremony this next Saturday in Paris with friends
and family from both of Luis's worlds. Music and hang gliding. We will keep you
and all of his numerous friends around the world posted as quickly as we can. I
have taken the liberty to "respond" in urgency to the report on the net as I am
confident Luis's brother Carlos, who I have spend the last two days with would
appreciate we keep the news to the strict facts, as Luis would have as well, and
avoid polemics and interpretations. If we can we will give you an email where
you can express your support and condolences.

I am glad to have met such a friend and pilot! He lived entirely to the fullest
his two dreams. I admire him for that.