Accident with Birdman?

What was the accident that caused the closing of the only Japanese flying coaster "Birdman" at Fujkyu Highland Park? I read that it was closed down due to an accident that occured in 5/01. Anyone have any details on this?

I think one person was killed and several were injured, but I don't know the exact details.

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There was a collision on Birdmen in the spring of 2001 resulting in several injuries and one death.

I was there in late 2001 and it was still closed. According to a friend in Japan, it is still closed.

In May 01, 2 cars collided on the final brake run. No more details were released that I could find. As others stated, one person was in fact killed :(

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- Peabody

Who was the manufacturer of the ride?

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.:| Brandon Rodriguez |:.
http://www.coasters2k.com

Hoei Sangyo, if I'm not mistaken. It's a shame, It looked like a nice ride.

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Yes, according to rcdb.com, it was Hoei Sangyo that developed the Birdman.

And BTW..........it was Birdmen.......not Birdman........my mistake. ;)