10th Anniv. of PKI'S Black Sunday

Like I said, there was space to slide into the adjacent seat of no one was sitting there. On most any other ride, there is a seat divider that prevents that from happening.

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Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

For the investigation they pulled a tub off of the ride. Signs on the ride indicated "NO SINGLE RIDERS" but the rule was never enforced. Apparently at the time of the accident, the ride was operated with the restraints open on the empty seat next to Ms. Taylor. A series of photographs published in a Cincinnati newspaper showed John Dodson (I believe he is now the director of Ohio's ride inspection division) demonstrating how an unconscious rider could easily roll out from beneath the lap bar and shoulder bar and into the empty seat...and hence right out of the car.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Well there really is no reason for you to be unconscious on an amusement park ride, is there? I still think it was her fault.

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I am a roller coaster FIEND!

I remember when The Flight Commander accident happened. I went to Knott's shortly after this accident happened and their version the FC, the XK-1, was closed while the investigation was underway. Once the novelty of being able to control your "jet" wore off, the ride quickly lost it's appeal. I wasn't sad to see it go, the awesome Supreme Scream S&S turbo drop now sits in that spot.

I just remembered something, after they removed the Flight Commander they put up a sign about a new ride coming soon. This ride is now the Drop Zone in the Action Zone area. Originally it was to be put in the spot where the Flight Commander was located I believe. The sign read like (not kidding here) "A new ride dropping in here next year". I thought it was a little poor taste to put it that way on the spot where the woman was killed. I am sure someone else got wind of this and had the sign removed/changed. Then they decided to build the action zone so it moved locations in the end. Just curious if any one else remembers this.

Well, those would be some funny ghosts, all drunk and disoriented. How can you even climb the Eifel Tower? Wasn't there a security guard?

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HurricaneGeauga- Just in case

I do remember that, Michael. I don't believe it was in bad taste, because several years had passed between the time when the woman fell and when they closed the ride.

I remember the sign, though. If I'm not mistaken, that was before the new generation freefalls started showing up, such as Hellevator at SFKK. I'm glad that we waited though, because nothing comares to that Drop Zone fall.

Jacob

There used to be a level on the Eiffel Tower where you could climb the steps, it is probably about 40 or so feet of the ground. It is gated off now.

THE BEASTmaster said:
"That's why the park only has two places where you can drink beer."

Actually, they sell beer all over the park, or at least earlier this season they did. I haven't been in a couple weeks, but you could buy beer in that garden, in Stunt Crew Grill, LaRosa's under the Vortex by the Beast, the Festhaus, and just about any other eatery in the park. Trust me, I hit just about every one of them last time I was there. Ride a ride, get off, drink a beer, go to the restroom, get on a ride, ride, get off, drink a... you see the pattern. All day. :)

Yeah, some people would be suprised if they realized how many people were actually buzzing or drunk or tripping in the parks(not condoning it, it's just our reality). There's millions of responsible drugged adults out there, not to mention millions of drunk drivers, drunk teachers, actors, and wealthy citizens. It is sad when a "drunk" hurts themselves or dies, but it's always the "actors out" who cause problems. Most people that are messed up, you wouldn't be able to notice. I, too am glad that beer is readily available at some parks, it's almost a neccessity to deal with the GP and families and the occasional disgruntled employees. Although it should be part of a ride op to question a person if they are falling over or smell like a brewery/distillary. Breathalizers on quee to test patrons, those over the limit can't line up(j/k).