Keep an Eye Out | Freefall Collision
These jumpers were making a 4-way formation skydive and experienced level issues while moving to the second point. As the jumpers were approaching the base from the same quadrant, the top jumper—who was focused on the base and didn’t see the converging traffic—funneled on top of the lower jumper. The impact was light, but as the top jumper slid off the lower jumper, he snagged the main deployment handle, which deployed the lower jumper’s main canopy at approximately 7,000 feet AGL. Fortunately, all those on the jump were clear of the deploying canopy and landed safely.
The deployed jumper’s bottom-of-container pilot-chute pouch was in new condition, and the pilot chute was stowed properly, although there is a slight possibility that the handle may have been jostled during the tight exit from a Cessna 182. However, this accident is attributable primarily to target fixation on the base of the formation. It is important for jumpers to stay aware of their surroundings and keep track of other jumpers as they get on level with a formation and then carefully fly to their slot and drive in for a gentle dock.