I have seen it happen, not just on Best kites, but also Cabrinha, North and others.
Sometimes even when it was leashed on a frontline. On a steering line, it's very dangerous.
jkrug wrote:i cannot imagine any instructor telling you to tie yourself in to the 5th line. would anyone here go out in any conditions with no means of releasing the kite, especially in 30-40 mph winds?.
somewhat related, early this spring, a storm came in and i quickly headed to shore, but no one else was around. so i deployed the 5th line. the kite did exactly what is was supposed to (flew on the 5th only with little power), but the winds were so strong at this point that it would not come down. i sat on the beach as the kite flew upside down, but didn't want to completely release it (i should have). after about 5 minutes sitting there with the kite in the air, i foolishly tried to walk up the 5th line to the kite (as it still flew), but a big gust came along and did a number on my fingers. even with the kite upside with not much power, my hands were no match for it. this gust yanked on the 5th so hard, it tore the 5th's attachment off the LE, and the kite was toast (my fingers only damaged enough to keep me off water for 2 weeks). i still think the 5th is a great tool, but as you experienced, its not 100%...nothing is. always have a method to say 'bye-bye' to the kite. very glad you're ok.
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