History of the Flight
On 8 March 2024, at 1315 local time, a DHC-6-400 fixed-wing light-sport aircraft, registration A6-SD1, operated by Skydive Dubai POA, departed from the Skydive Desert Drop Zone in Margham, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a commercial skydiving mission. The aircraft carried 19 parachutists and one pilot. During the ascent to approximately 13,000 feet, the parachutists prepared for freefall.
Among them was a 39-year-old instructor parachutist (the Parachutist) making his fifth jump of the day out of six planned jumps. He was providing training to a student. During descent, as observed from his overhead camera video, he performed spiral turns as part of the landing procedure in the designated landing area east of the drop zone. After completing one 360-degree left spiral turn, the parachute canopy's A2-lines on both sides disintegrated from the container, resulting in freefall and subsequent ground impact.
At 1335, the club's ground control contacted the Operations Manager to report the accident and called Dubai emergency medical services. The Operations Manager arrived and observed the severity, instructing all departments to cease non-emergency radio communication and suspending skydiving operations. The Parachutist was conscious but in critical condition. A club ground controller with 20 years of medical training provided first aid. As the Parachutist began losing consciousness and experienced breathing difficulty, police and EMS were re-contacted for helicopter support. At 1352, an ambulance arrived; after assessment, paramedics intubated him. At 1405, a helicopter airlifted him to Rashid Hospital, departing at 1417. Upon arrival, he was declared dead.
Personnel Information
The Parachutist was 39 years old, weighed 90 kg, and was 177 cm tall. He held a USPA D license, valid to 31 January 2025, and was rated as a Coach, Accelerated Freefall Instructor, and Tandem Instructor. He had over 5000 total jumps. A forensic examination revealed a comminuted open fracture of the left wrist, severe bleeding in the left chest cavity, and multiple chest fractures. Toxicology confirmed the absence of narcotics and alcohol.
Parachute Information
The main canopy involved was a Fluid Wings AirWolf2, 79 sq ft (serial number AW2 79-00043), manufactured by Fluid Wings. It was a high-performance 7-cell, cross-braced, tri-taper design with a split leading edge, steep line trim, low line drag, triple cascade lines, and multi-braking system. The container was a Vector V316, checked on 10 February 2024 and valid until 8 August 2024. The reserve canopy was a Performance Designs Optimum 126. The automatic activation device was a Vigil Cuatro Xteme, and a reserve static line was present.
The Parachutist had borrowed this main canopy from a colleague instructor on 11 January 2024, because his own parachute had worn lines and was no longer airworthy. Since receiving it, he completed approximately 225 jumps in 48 days, averaging 6–8 jumps per day. The previous main canopy was identical.
Damage to the Parachute
The parachute's damage comprised the canopy's A2 lines being broken on both sides. The A-lines, positioned closest to the leading edge, are essential for initial inflation stability and control. The breakage led to canopy collapse and freefall.
Parachute Line Inspection
According to the Fluid Wings user manual, parachute lines require detailed inspections for wear (slight, medium, heavy) and should be replaced before reaching heavy wear. The inspection guidelines recommend using magnification tools and checking near the finger trap splice. Environmental factors like sandy conditions were noted but not linked directly.
Probable Cause
Parachute collapse and ground impact due to canopy suspension line breakage.