SFL-2024-010 · Cause: Canopy collision
Partially verified Facts as reported in the sources below. This is not an official investigation.
Incident
- Date
- 01.04.2024
- Country
- USA
- Drop zone
- Skydive DeLand
- Place
- DeLand, Florida
- Context
- Sport / fun jump
- Jump type
- Freefly
- Phase
- Deployment
Jumper
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 42
- Total jumps
- 10,500
- Years in sport
- 12
Equipment
- Wing loading
- 3 lb/sq ft
Cause
- Category
- Canopy collision
What happened
Organiser of a 5-way angle jump from 13,000 ft. The jump went steeper and faster than planned and the group was unsure of the breakoff altitude. He flattened out and deployed; a newer jumper (102 jumps) above and behind him deployed at the same time and the two canopies collided as they opened. He was knocked unconscious and spun in under his main.
Lessons for safety
Agree breakoff altitude on the ground. Track to clear airspace and look before deploying.
Sources
- www.uspa.org Federation, USPA 2024 fatality summary, case #8 (anonymous)
Is something wrong or missing? Send a correction and mention SFL-2024-010.