Home > Accident > Woman Falls To Her Death In Hang-Gliding Accident, Instructor Arrested

Woman Falls To Her Death In Hang-Gliding Accident, Instructor Arrested

May 8, 2012 at 10:47 am by Morbid

Vancouver, BC, Canada – Witnesses watched in horror as a woman plunged 1,000 feet to her death while taking her first hang-gliding lesson.

According to reports, 27-year-old Lenami Godinez-Avila and her boyfriend David were at Mount Woodside in the Fraser Valley waiting for their turn to fly in tandem with an instructor on a hang-glider. The couple was there after David purchased hang-gliding lessons as part of their anniversary celebrations.

Both got suited up and Godinez-Avila was paired with Jon Orders, an instructor with 16 years experience. She went before David, who was filming the event, but witnesses say that immediately after taking off they could tell something was not right.

Normally when flying with an instructor, you are beside them, strapped into a harness that was hooked to the glider. But in this case, Godinez-Avila was hanging vertically with her feet dangling. She used her upper body to hold on at first, before getting Orders into a bear hug as he tried to wrap his legs around her. Unfortunately, she couldn’t hold on.

“I could see her starting to slip down his body … past the waist, down the legs. Finally she got to the feet and tried to hang on and obviously couldn’t hang on for that much longer and let go, tearing off the tandem pilot’s shoes in the process,” said Nicole McLearn, who witnessed the horrific event.

Thirty seconds after she and Order were airborne, Godinez-Avila would plunge 1,000 feet to the ground below, landing on her back. A very distraught David turned in the direction she had fallen and began screaming to her.

“Lenami!” he screamed in the direction she was last seen. “Hang on! I love you!”

It would take hours for searchers to locate her body where it had landed in a clear-cut plateau. Other gliding enthusiast have since gathered and planted a cherry blossom tree at the spot in her memory.

Orders told investigators he tried in vain to grab Godinez-Avila’s harness and latch her to his legs and that he regretted not flying back to the hill when he first noticed something was wrong. I would imagine he’s also regretting the stupid stunt he pulled afterwards in an attempt to avoid getting into trouble.

He was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice after he swallowed a camera’s memory card that possibly contained pre-flight video. He eventually passed the memory card and it is now in the custody of police. My guess is that Orders knew that the video may show that a “hang check” was not conducted properly before he took off with Godinez-Avila.

He has been released from custody, and his instructor certification has been suspended.

Tags: Accident, Canada, Crime, hang gliding, Jon Orders, Lenami Godinez-Avila, obstruction

72 Comments

Comments

V2 Cigs electronic cigarettes - Break Free From The Pack!

The views expressed in the comments are those of the comment writers and don't represent the views or opinions of D'D or its staff. Feel free to flag comments that may violate conditions outlined in our Disclaimer.

http://truecrimereport.com iLLusionS

This is pretty sad and horrific….and I can’t imagine how hard that was on her man to have to see….
What is up with this instructor? What step did he skip that could have saved this woman?
This isn’t the type of job where you want to half ass shit and then hope for the best later….wtf?
Texas Ranger

Why the fuck would you swallow the memory card?? Cripes it took hours for them to find HER! Dumass should have just chunked it at 1000 feet, they woulda never found it. Something hinky going on here….
TheLadyDragon

Don’t forget the part where he was kept in Police custody and they followed the progress of the memory card through his system with x-rays….. the memory card is his own recording of the flight, he usually sells the video to the passengers afterwards. The fact he swallowed it leads me to believe he screwed something up real bad, however he has been very cooperative with the RCMP.
He’s been released now, under the conditions he is not to hang-glide and was required to turn in his passport and secondary citizenship documents. The memory card was recovered.

I live about 4 hours away from where this happened and have been following the story closely.
Babydoll0630

That’s really sad. I hope the boyfriend can move on and doesn’t blame himself for getting the lessons as a gift. Oh, and I’m just gonna leave this here.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2012/03/26/derrill-rockwell-mistakes-womans-mohawk-for-bird-shoots-her-in-the-head-derrill-rockwell/
reapre

Omg. That’s absolutely horrifying. I have no words to express my sympathy.

I’m terrified of heights it scares me just reading an article about heights...
Jubilex

It’s not really hang gliding if you don’t hang on is it?
DangerousKindOfSnark

He sounds like he panicked and tried to hide the video card without thinking. It sounds like a really horrible tragic accident due to his complacency with having done something hundreds of times. Do they have something like manslaughter charges in Canada?
reapre

“There is no person so severely punished, as those who subject themselves to the whip of their own remorse” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Sadly, trying to even think of putting myself in his shoes, this quote floods my mind….I hope the same as you do.
reapre

Lol, I hate you. Here I am feeling bad reading this story, and you just had to bring a giggle to my cloudy sky…A-hole.
Wolf_of_Mars

Uhmmm… The video unit may have been inaccessible to him while in the air.
http://twitter.com/fxguy1969 Bill Cassinelli

The important question is, did the boyfriend get a refund?
LeaveMeBe

You. Are. Incorrigible.

I likey.
LeaveMeBe

Me too! I felt like I was having the beginnings of a panic attack while reading it. The fear on her part and the helplessness on his? *shudder* Heartbreaking.
UniqueMommy1984

And people wonder why I’m scared of heights.
JGo555

Fuck, I’d rather lose my virginity to my over made up, big foreheaded teacher than have THIS happen to me.
EveryVillainIsLemons

I think I’m going to keep a link to this article handy and share it whenever anyone asks me why I haven’t tried hang-gliding.
Texas Ranger

Well I’m not Canadian or nothin, but I can say my FIRST thought upon landing wouldn’t have been “let me eat the evidence”…but that’s just me.
https://twitter.com/#!/AngelsMom0806 Angels Mom

I am am afraid (a paralyzing fear) of heights as well so this story freaked me out.

RIP beautiful lady. I am very sad for the boyfriend.
TheLadyDragon

Yes there is a manslaughter category that will likely cover this unless they get some solid evidence off the memory card that he was negligent in which case they may try for a tougher charge.

I think he panicked too, probably had bad experiences with the RCMP previously (god, haven’t we all)…
TheLadyDragon

I have to say I think it’s really sweet that people have planted a cherry tree in her memory.
Think of all the future hang-gliders who can enjoy it’s beauty.
OutOfBubbleGum

“purchased hang-gliding lessons as part of their anniversary celebrations”

Mental note: Return lessons.

An fromer US Air Force friend once said to me, “I’d never jump out of a perfectly working airplane.”
DangerousKindOfSnark

Thanks for answering, I’m feeling internet lazy today. As for any experiences with the RCMP, I haven’t had the pleasure outside of giggling at the name.
DangerousKindOfSnark

I actually love heights. I would totally do something like this and I just feel awful for her, she looked so excited in her photo.
TheLadyDragon

I’ve had a few entertaining run ins.
Nothing serious, no record, not even a speeding ticket. LOL.
But I’m a law student, I could probably talk my way out of anything.
TheLadyDragon

I was joking with my Mum that it’s gonna come out that the boyfriend set the whole thing up… dun-dun-da!!
LeaveMeBe

It’s aboot time you clarified where you were from!
https://twitter.com/#!/AngelsMom0806 Angels Mom

I’d be there cheering you on. Even the thought of doing this is making my stomach drop.
CT

I am so with you on the fear of heights. If you really want to fuck with me – add a clown and I’ll immediately die of hear.
Lena60

Me too Reapre. I have a fear of heights and Iam not a daredevil.I have flown many times but as of late. I don’t want to take a plane any where.
sugarpie

**scratches hang gliding off bucket list**
Lena60

How sad for this girl * cringe* and the boyfriend who will never get over this, the guilt will eat him alive.
reapre

I don’t have the “paralyzing” fear of heights. I always found that as silly reaction in some instances, especially when we would stand on the 15′ diving board before we’d jump into a pool…It’s water? I’ve rappelled, done SPIE rigging, jumped off the 15+ foot high diving boards with gear on, zip-lined, 2-line and 3-line valley crossing…etc. Come on AM!!! Let’s go SPIE rigging! You’d totally love it!

I absolutely fear height. Terrified of it, it makes me extremely uncomfortable and anxious.
http://twitter.com/tinalib13 Tina Wech

For me it’s heights, clown and those damn old fashioned dolls…shiverrrrr!
http://twitter.com/tinalib13 Tina Wech

I cannot even imagine watching helplessly as the person you love best plummets to their death. Jesus! RIP Now, having said that I will NEVER hang glide, sky dive or do anything else that would leave an impression of my body in the dirt if I fall. ’nuff said.
reapre

My mom has told me before, that when I was like 2-3 y/o…they took me up to the top of the Space needle in Seattle…and when my dad picked me up to get a better look over the railings or whatever, I “screamed and clawed” to get away from having to look down.
DangerousKindOfSnark

Oh no, sounds like that is some deep ingrained fear. I used to like to lean my head against the glass when we’d go to the twin towers and just look straight down. The only thing that really bothered me was if you went into the restroom you go feel the building swaying and it was a strange feeling.
DangerousKindOfSnark

I know what your getting for X-mas.

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/821591-evil-clown-hired-for-stalking-threats-and-a-pie-in-the-face
sam1211

Made me tear up reading he yelled for her, saying he loved her :’( awww . This is very tragic.
CT

What the hell is wrong with you people? You are the 4th person today to send me this link.
LeaveMeBe

Well, throw in a june bug with everything else you have listed and I’m dead of fright.
LeaveMeBe

WHY did you look?!? WHY did I look?!? Will you spend the night with me? Bring your flashlight. And your crowbar.
LeaveMeBe

Just make it the last thing on your bucket list.
reapre

Eff that. Heights are overrated. It’s hard enough just to get close enough to the ladder when I’m on the roof, just to come down, on a single story house.
CT

At least my brother sort of warned me before I clicked – I could tell based on his warning that it somehow involved a clown. Fuckers – the whole lot of you.

My crowbar and I will be there soon.
Andy P

Well said and me neither. It’s that risk/reward thing. Roller coasters are my limit and even those aren’t always safe either. Here’s a fun link:

http://rideaccidents.com/
OutOfBubbleGum

“ My guess is that Orders knew that the video may show that a “hang check” was not conducted properly before he took off”

If I ever decided to something like this, I’m sure as Hell going to Google it and have a printed check list.

Googling, as I’m falling, is not an option, but thank God I spent the $3.50 on the proctive screen cover.
DangerousKindOfSnark

Love you> The weirdest thing is I think he fly is open…
https://twitter.com/#!/AngelsMom0806 Angels Mom

Oh I’ll go with you…and stand on the side in a cheerleader outfit cheering you on!! Gimme a R! Gimme an E!!

If someone said “jump or die” odds are good that I’d just be dead. Unless my children were in harms way then I would beg someone to push me because my legs wouldn’t move on their own.
Califboy

Like you still have it to lose !
Califboy

Man, I was falling for her, but she had already fell for him !

Couldn’t resist sorry!!
Heather_Habilatory

I don’t like standing on a chair or anything. I do NOT like my feet off the ground.

I once helped decorate a reception hall for a friend’s wedding dance and no one else was around who could help hang stuff up high, so I gathered the courage and stood on a table.

When some family came in, knowing my fear, and exclaimed over how high up I was, I panicked. Couldn’t get down on my own, I was frozen in place. Fuckers. They wouldn’t even come get me down.
reapre

SPIE Rigging, you don’t gotta do anything! That’s the beauty of it!

Fast-forward to about 3:15.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z32Gc7idmsc
https://twitter.com/#!/AngelsMom0806 Angels Mom

OK I’ll try it. Just let me pack my anxiety pills and got get an adult diaper.
reapre

I can’t lie. I probably would’ve laughed at you. Seeing panic in your eyes, I probably would’ve felt bad after a couple minutes and got you down.
https://twitter.com/#!/AngelsMom0806 Angels Mom

I’m the exact same way and sadly my family would have done the same as yours…bastards.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWBV2FUY3OBYX3RNK6I44QSC7I Kwum

When you do perilous feats and stunt in an effort to defy death…. sometimes death wins
Califboy

The building wasn’t swaying, it was your beauty and your reflection in the mirror!!!
Heather_Habilatory

Nope. They walked outside and left me there.
Heather_Habilatory

It’s a wonder I’ve survived my family.
DangerousKindOfSnark

Oh, how I wish I could believe that, but no it’s the building. The towers were able to sway about 3 feet in any direction.
JohnQknowitall

This is a reality check for the rest of us. Just because a person is an instructor or another person in a position of trust, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask questions about everything involving our persons. If the in charge person gets pissy about it, then “you’re fired” are two handy words to use.
neenaP

It says it was a stunt, I’m not sure what that means. I wonder if he purposely didn’t harness her properly?
Snickering_Hydra

- “Look Ma, no harness!”

He was too good to check the harnesses. After 16 years he probably thought he could “wing it”.
Zazen

Gasp! Not spiders too!??
newstarshipsmell

“Lenami!” he screamed in the direction she was last seen. “Hang on! I love you!”

I’m struggling not to chuckle at the irony of his useless plea…
newstarshipsmell

Heh, thanks for reminding me about this great site!
LeaveMeBe

No, no spiders. But don’t worry, if there are spiders, I can save you because I’m not afraid of them.
RydoLarsson

HOLY SHIT !! HOLY SHIT !! Seriously though that must be a shitty way to go
chgplz

What was it a 1000 feet in the air? Seriously? Even in an airplane you know you have to fasten your safety belt.
chgplz

How is it the saying goes “It isn’t the fall that kills ya” but rather the “sudden stop”.
http://profile.yahoo.com/TUBH5TNPY7GCEUKXBBM7Y2F7OI z

Did they find the instructors shoes?

“My Shoe”
http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/ Dakota Valkyrie

Pilot error in B.C. hang-gliding death, investigation shows

The Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada reported late Wednesday on the results of its investigation into the death of Lenami Godinez-Avila, 27, who was a passenger on a fatal flight with pilot Jon Orders.

“The investigation concluded that the passenger’s harness was not connected to the glider on takeoff. The required ‘hang-check’ (or any other suitable method of harness/glider connection test) was not performed prior to the pilot committing to takeoff,” the association said.
[...]

“The unusual aspect of a second pilot instructor being present for the event makes it is difficult to understand how the multiple phases of the pre-flight were missed by both pilots.”
[...]

Orders is expected to appear in a Chilliwack, B.C., court next April on charges of obstructing justice for allegedly swallowing a memory card thought to be related to the incident.

RCMP later reported that no images useful to the investigation were recovered from the memory card.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/08/22/bc-hang-glider-death-investigation.html