What happened
On 30 March 2021, a DHC-6-300 aircraft, registration A6-SD5, operated by Skydive Dubai LLC, conducted a scheduled skydiving flight from the Skydive Desert Drop Zone. During the fifth jump of the day, two skydivers experienced a mid-air collision while descending toward the landing zone.
As the skydivers approached the landing area, the fatally injured skydiver performed two 360-degree spiral turns at approximately 1,100 feet AGL, descending to 600 feet AGL. Simultaneously, another skydiver, positioned above, initiated a high-speed right swooping spiral turn at 900 feet AGL. Before the second skydiver completed their turn, their parachute struck the top of the first skydiver's parachute, causing the lines to entangle.
Following the impact, the fatally injured skydiver released their main parachute at approximately 450 feet AGL. Although the skydiver attempted to deploy their reserve parachute, there was insufficient altitude for the canopy to fully inflate. The skydiver subsequently struck the ground, sustaining fatal injuries.
The investigation
The GCAA AAIS investigation examined video footage from a helmet camera and analyzed the equipment used by both participants. The investigation reviewed the operational procedures of the club, the maintenance of the aircraft, and the regulatory compliance of the jumpmaster duties.
Investigators found that the skydivers were performing non-standard, high-speed maneuvers below minimum altitude limits. The investigation also noted that the Load Master did not accompany the skydivers on the aircraft during this specific jump, which was a deviation from required safety standards. Furthermore, the investigation identified that the fatally injured skydiver's equipment lacked a Reserve Static Line (RSL), a secondary safety device.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to follow emergency procedures for malfunctions or collisions occurring below 1,500 feet, which dictate that the main parachute should not be cut away to maintain maximum drag.
- The second skydiver failed to prioritize the lower-altitude skydiver during the landing approach.
- Both skydivers performed spiral swooping turns at altitudes below the permitted minimum.
- The fatally injured skydiver's equipment was not equipped with an RSL.
- The club's documentation regarding Load Master responsibilities did not fully align with regulatory requirements.
Safety action
Following the findings, several safety recommendations were issued to the operator, including:
- Implementing a system for the Ground Controller to monitor and report unsafe maneuvers below 1,000 feet.
- Conducting a case study regarding the necessity of equipping parachutes with RSL safety equipment.
- Ensuring the Load Master accompanies skydivers on board the aircraft in accordance with safety regulations.
- Updating the Parachute Operations Manual to clearly define the duties of the Load Master.