Possible Clues:

• Rapid decline of Independent initially frustrating to everyone
• No charge for trip that brings you straight down to earth
• Paratrooper's start
• Bank wholly behind start of financial decline that's unstoppable
• Time before the parachute opens
• Skydiver's thrill
• Public brawl with soldiers knocked out showing a rapid descent?
• Going down suddenly in brawl when gold has been stolen
• Downward movement under the force of gravity
• Parachutist's thrill