A student skydiver jumping in Orange County over Memorial Day weekend landed in a tree.
The skydiver, whose identity has not been disclosed, survived the crash landing and was evaluated for injuries on the scene before being released.
The skydiver was jumping May 24 with Skydive Orange, Virginia’s largest skydiving center which operates out of the Orange County Airport just east of the town of Orange.
“Eyewitnesses, including the student’s instructors, report that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful,” Skydive Orange said in a statement issued Saturday. “However, under parachute, the skydiver had difficulty navigating to the designated landing area. As a result, and with few clear landing options available, they landed in a tree.”
The skydiver landed 50 feet up in a tree in a grove across from the airport, according to the Orange County Volunteer Fire Company, which responded to the scene.
“The crew of Truck 23 skillfully positioned the aerial to execute the rescue, safely retrieving the diver and bringing him down to safety,” the fire company said in its own statement. “County Fire and EMS personnel on the scene evaluated him for injuries.”
The skydiver was then released.
Following the accident, a full inspection of the skydiver’s equipment was conducted, Skydive Orange said.
“All gear was found to be in proper working order and functioning as intended,” it reported.
Skydive Orange took the opportunity after the accident to say that “Skydiving training includes how to manage a wide variety of problems that can occur, specifically including what to do in the event of an unavoidable tree landing.”
There was a record low of nine civilian skydiving fatalities reported in the U.S. last year, a significant decrease compared to the 2000s and 1990s when the sport averaged more than 20 fatalities per year, according to the U.S. Parachute Association, a voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of individuals who enjoy and support the sport of skydiving.
Skydive Orange, which has been in operation since 1977, remains a member in good standing with the U.S. Parachute Association.
“The center has hosted tens of thousands of skydives over its 48-year history,” Skydive Orange said. “It is widely recognized as one of the most safety-conscious and well-respected skydiving centers in the United States.”
Source: www.dailyprogress.com