2003 At-Risk Survivor

The stupidity displayed by the participants in the following tales stops short of the ultimate Darwin Awards sacrifice. Nevertheless, we salute the spirit and innovation of their misadventures.

Off We Go... 2003 At-Risk Survivor Confirmed True by Darwin (30 July 2003, Jackson, New Jersey) Bright and early on a Wednesday morning, veteran helicopter pilot Richard Swiat climbed into his chopper to begin an insecticide run at the Hurricane Harbor Water Park. He ran through the safety checklist and adjusted the headgear used to keep in touch with flight controllers. Then, as our correspondent put it, "perhaps with a jaunty wave and a sporty scarf whipping in the breeze," he took off into the wild blue yonder--until the hose connecting the helicopter to a supply truck caused the helicopter to flip! Amazingly, Richard walked away from the crash, complaining only of back pain. Associated Press DarwinAwards.com © 1994 - 2012 Reference: Associated Press Share

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