Fatal skydiving accident at Carletonville Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Carletonville Aerodrome, ZA

A 39-year-old parachutist died following an uncontrolled landing at the Johannesburg Skydiving Club after failing to steer his canopy into the wind.

What happened

On 28 April 2012, at approximately 1150Z, a parachutist exited an aircraft at 6000ft AGL for his second jump of the day at Carletonville Aerodrome. Following a free fall of roughly 15 to 20 seconds, the Pilot 188 main canopy was observed to open and inflate fully.

Despite the successful deployment, the parachutist's flight path drifted downwind. Witnesses noted that the individual made no visible attempt to steer the canopy into the wind for the approach. The descent ended in an uncontrolled landing in an open grassy field, resulting in one fatality due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an uncontrolled landing resulting from the parachutist's failure to steer the canopy into the wind or perform a flare prior to impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-04-28 Parachute Accident accident near Carletonville Aerodrome, ZA?

A 39-year-old parachutist died following an uncontrolled landing at the Johannesburg Skydiving Club after failing to steer his canopy into the wind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-04-28 involved a Parachute Accident, registration Parachute, at Carletonville Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an uncontrolled landing resulting from the parachutist's failure to steer the canopy into the wind or perform a flare prior to impact.

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