Expert inspects equipment again in parasail deaths.

By ANDI ATWATER, aatwater@news-press.com 
http://www.news-press.com/news/today/010731parasail.html

An Orlando parasail expert took a second look Monday at the equipment used in a fatal parasailing accident July 11 that killed a Kentucky woman and her daughter. 

Mark McCulloh, founder of the Parasail Safety Council, said he was “uncomfortable” the first time he met with officials on July 13 to look at equipment held at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offices. 

“I came back again because (last time) one of the Coast Guard inspection officers shows up and drags the equipment owners — the ones who sell the equipment — into the room,” McCulloh said. “These guys shouldn’t be there — it’s like a conflict of interest — and I was not comfortable.” 

McCulloh said he wanted to re-inspect the equipment used during the accident, which killed vacationers Lisabeth Straney, 37, and her daughter, Taylor Straney, 13, after their harness broke and they plunged 250 feet into 3 feet of water off Fort Myers Beach. 

Commission officers have in their evidence the parasail, tandem bar and a copy of a videotape made by an onlooker who caught the accident on film. 

The Coast Guard, which was not present at Monday’s impromptu visit in Fort Myers, has custody of a piece of rope used during the accident, McCulloh said. 

“I wanted to look over the equipment one more time without the pressure of someone looking over my shoulder,” McCulloh said. “Simply put, I wanted to revisit the equipment without the interference from the manufacturer that the Coast Guard brought in.” 

Coast Guard officials did not return phone calls Monday. Commission spokesman Gary Morse said his agency would have no comment while the investigation is open. 

“The investigation normally could take anywhere from six weeks to two months, sometimes longer — it depends on the complexity of the situation,” Morse said. 

McCulloh said the reinspection allowed him to narrow down a few theories he has about the accident, but added he won’t have a thorough opinion until he’s able to inspect AA Parasail Waverunners Etc. Inc.’s boat and talk to the boat’s captain. 

He’s not certain whether the Coast Guard or Fish and Game will ask him to render a written report or whether he’ll end up in court as an expert witness. 

McCulloh, who previously said he is worried about the safety of tandem bars on parasails, is a long-time advocate of regulating the industry. 

“I don’t think I’m going to help them at this point — this is probably my last visit here for now,” he said. “I still haven’t seen the witness reports, the parasail captain, the manufacturer ... everyone’s keeping quiet right now. I’m just concerned about what it is they want to accomplish here.”