Skydive tragedy inquest opens
A skydiver who died after a jump went wrong at a Shropshire event should not have taken part because his logbook was not up to date, an inquest heard. A skydiver who died after a jump went wrong at a Shropshire event should not have taken part because his logbook was not up to date, an inquest heard. Iain Firkins, 28, was pronounced dead at hospital after plunging to the ground at the British Falconry and Raptor Show at Chetwynd Park, Newport, on May 6. The IT manager, from Cullompton, Devon, had jumped with three other members of the Icarus Parachute Display Team at about 3,000 ft from a helicopter. The inquest, at Telford, continues. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
He was airlifted to hospital but died from multiple injuries, the inquest at Telford heard today.
The IT manager, from Cullompton, Devon, had jumped with three other members of the Icarus Parachute Display Team at about 3,000 ft from a helicopter.
Telford and Wrekin coroner Mr Michael Gwynne heard Mr Firkins had dome more than 880 jumps.
The hearing was told rules stated that parachutists must have completed 10 jumps in the previous three months to be allowed to take part in a display jump.
Icarus team leader Ray Brewer said it was his responsibility to check logbooks and conceded that Mr Firkins's logbook showed he did not have a sufficient number of recent jumps.
He admitted after being questioned by Mr Gwynne that Mr Firkins should not have jumped and he had not checked his logbook.
The inquest also heard that an earlier jump had been cancelled because the wind speed was too high. The wind subsided and a later jump went ahead.
Fellow skydiver Stephen Cooper said he saw Mr Firkins pull hard on his steering toggle at about 150ft which caused the parachute to be almost horizontal with his body.
"The whole thing just fell out of the sky," he said. "In my opinion it was a split second error of judgement."
The inquest continues.