Late in the afternoon on Sunday, Fred Ballard attempted a no-wind tandem launch and found himself in the bushes below the ramp. Both Fred and his passenger were transported to Pasadena Memorial Hospital where Fred was treated for cuts and released and his passenger was treated for a dislocated hip.
Although this was a first for Fred, there have been at least 4 other blown tandem by launches at Kagel in the past. All by prominent instructors, and all in light winds.