The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) is investigating a serious skydiving incident involving two skydivers at Toogoolawah in the Somerset region.
A 37-year-old Brisbane man who had successfully completed more than 300 jumps was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital this morning after attempting a routine group angles jump with three other skydivers.
It is understood he suffered life-threatening head injuries.
A second experienced skydiver in his late 30s, with nearly 1,000 jumps, provided first aid to the injured man after the collision and was taken by ambulance to Ipswich Hospital and is being treated for leg injuries.
APF Chief Executive Officer Stephen Porter said an investigator would travel to the drop zone to begin a comprehensive investigation and understand what led to the incident.
“It is too early to understand what caused the collision, but we do know that the 37-year-old man’s automatic activation device opened his reserve parachute and allowed him to land in a paddock next to the Toogoolawah Showground.
“Our thoughts are with the injured men and their families, as well as the broader skydiving community.
APF will work alongside Queensland Police as part of their investigation. In addition, we will conduct our own investigation, as we do with all serious parachute incidents to improve safety measures for the future,” he said.
Skydive Ramblers owner, Dave McEvoy, explained that the two men were part of a group of four skydivers when they collided as the group was breaking apart.
“Angles flying is a high-speed discipline in skydiving that is growing in popularity around the world. It involves angling the body so that the skydivers are free-falling headfirst.
“We are incredibly grateful to the first responders and emergency services personnel who provided first aid care and arranged for him to be airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital,” he said.
The APF administers and regulates sport skydiving in Australia under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
