What happened
On 1 December 2024, a commercial skydiving flight operated by Skydive Dubai, involving a DHC-6-400 aircraft (registration A6-SD4), departed from the Skydive Desert drop zone in Margham. The aircraft carried 19 passengers and one pilot, ascending to approximately 13,000 feet for the mission.
During the flight, a highly experienced parachutist, performing his fifth jump of the day, exited the aircraft at 5,500 feet. The individual was attempting a high-performance landing using an elliptical Performance Designs Valkyrie VK-79 canopy. While executing a series of high-speed spiral turns to prepare for landing, the parachutist initiated a turn that caused the canopy to accelerate to a point where the natural rotation could no longer be arrested. This resulted in an uncontrolled descent and a high-speed impact with the ground at approximately 13:04 local time. The parachutist sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The GCAA AAIS investigation examined the aircraft, the parachute equipment, and the circumstances surrounding the landing maneuver. Investigators reviewed footage from the parachutist's helmet camera, which showed that the Performance Designs Valkyrie VK-79 canopy deployed correctly and functioned without mechanical malfunction. An inspection of the gear revealed damage to a rib and a minor hole in the slider, both of which were determined to be the result of the high-energy ground impact rather than a pre-existing defect.
Investigators also reviewed the parachutist's credentials, noting a USPA 'D' license and approximately 5,000 lifetime jumps. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with winds at 10.8 knots and clear visibility. The investigation also looked into the organizational procedures of the club, confirming that the operator was a GCAA-approved organization and that the landing was performed in a designated area.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the execution of a high-performance landing maneuver that led to uncontrollable canopy rotation.
- The parachutist initiated a turn that accelerated the canopy to a state where the rotation could not be stopped before impact.
- Potential contributing factors included a limited altitude margin during the maneuver and possible misjudgment of the recovery arc.
- Environmental factors, such as low-level wind variability, may have further complicated the ability to regain stability.
- The parachute equipment was fully functional and showed no signs of malfunction prior to the impact.