Thursday, 16 August 2012 - 3:30pm |
National News

Skydiver injured after parachute fails

1 min read

About 2.05pm today Police were called to the Motueka Airport where a male skydiver had landed heavily on the grass.

Initial enquiries indicate that when the man deployed his main chute it failed to operate properly causing him to "cut away".

He then tried to deploy his reserve chute, however this was not possible.

About 750 feet above the ground his reserve chute deployed automatically. It slowed his descent, however he landed heavily and sustained as yet unknown injuries.

He was immediately treated by other jumpers and a doctor for his injuries until the arrival of the emergency helicopter and Ambulance.

He has been taken to Nelson Hospital for further treatment.

end

Detective John Nicholls
Motueka Police CIB