What happened
On the morning of November 30, 2008, a formation skydive was conducted at Skydive Extreme in Modimolle. The jump began from an altitude of 9,000 feet AGL. After the group exited the aircraft, the participants performed a planned formation sequence. At approximately 5,00-feet AGL, the end of the formation was signaled, which the skydiver acknowledged with a thumbs-up gesture.
As the other participants broke away from the formation to initiate separation and parachute deployment, the deceased skydiver was observed by witnesses to be tumbling and unstable in freefall. The individual struck the ground with no apparent attempt to deploy either the main or the reserve parachute, resulting in one fatality due to blunt force trauma.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by the Parachute Association of South Africa examined eyewitness accounts from the pilot and several ground observers, as well as a technical inspection of the equipment. The equipment, which included a Vortex 2 container and a ZP 185 EXE main canopy, was inspected by a master rigger and found to be in satisfactory, airworthy condition. There was no evidence of tampering with the gear.
Findings
Investigators determined that environmental factors, the condition of the parachuting equipment, and the formation sequence itself were not contributing factors to the accident. The skydiver was considered a capable participant with significant experience in the sport.
However, the investigation established that the skydiver was unconscious at the time of impact. This loss of consciousness is attributed to the skydiver's medical history as a type 2 diabetic. Evidence suggested that the individual had been feeling unwell in the mornings and had recently received medical advice regarding medication management. Notably, no diabetic medication was found among the individual's belongings at the time of the accident.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the following safety points were highlighted:
- The incident serves as a critical reminder regarding the necessity of strict diabetes management for skydivers living with the condition.
- The use of an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) is highly recommended for all skydivers, regardless of experience level, as it may have prevented this fatality.