SFL-2023-019 · Cause: Incorrect emergency procedures
Partially verified Facts as reported in the sources below. This is not an official investigation.
Incident
- Date
- 10.05.2023
- Country
- USA
- Drop zone
- Skydive Cross Keys
- Place
- Williamstown, New Jersey
- Context
- Sport / fun jump
- Jump type
- Wingsuit
Jumper
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 48
- Total jumps
- 745
- Years in sport
- 10
Equipment
- AAD
- Installed, fired
Cause
- Category
- Incorrect emergency procedures
What happened
Solo wingsuit jump from about 13,000 ft. His main was seen spinning from about 1,500 ft; he was found with both handles still in place. The AAD fired, but the reserve pilot chute entangled in the main lines. Why the main spun and why he did not start emergency procedures could not be determined.
Lessons for safety
A spinning main that does not recover calls for an immediate cutaway and reserve. Wingsuit pilots should practise emergency procedures with the suit unzipped.
Sources
- www.uspa.org Federation, USPA 2023 fatality summary, case #8 (anonymous)
Is something wrong or missing? Send a correction and mention SFL-2023-019.