Charles Darwin with a purple swarm around his head, contemplating the twist of fate that natural selection sidestepped these still-living honorable mentions.

2003 Honorable Mention

Next Prev Random Honorable Mentions have misadventures that stop short of the ultimate sacrifice. Nevertheless we salute the spirit of their colossal blunders with an Honorable Mention. Better luck next time!

Off We Go...
2003 Honorable Mention
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

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Reference: Associated Press

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