11/05/2015

Skydiver Seriously Injured After Parachute Failure

Police are appealing for information after a female skydivers parachute failed to open during a routine jump.

The incident occurred on 5 April at Netheravon Airfield at approximately 4.30pm.

It is understood the woman's main parachute failed to open while her reserve chute only partially deployed.

The 39 year old victim plunged 4000ft to the ground and sustained multiple serious injuries. She was taken to Southampton Hospital.

The parachute club contacted Police on 6 April over concerns about the parachute deployment.

Detective Inspector Paul Franklin said: "This woman would have been dead if her chute hadn’t partially opened, this meant her descent was slowed enough for her to survive the fall. However, we were alerted to concerns over what had happened by the parachute club and as a result instigated an investigation.

We would like to hear from anyone who may have information that may assist us with this enquiry. Someone may hold vital information that will give us some clues to how this happened. We have spoken to lots people at the club but would like to hear from anyone else who may have witnessed the fall.

"In particular, we are looking for ‘slinks’ that were missing from the parachute which may have been removed and discarded somewhere.

This woman survived this fall miraculously but despite her experience she very nearly lost her life."

A 35 year old male has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The man has been bailed to return at a later date.

(LM/CD)

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