Chutes packing focus to fatal fall
THE parachute packs of three stricken skydivers will become a key focus of the investigation into the shock triple fatality at Mission Beach.
Investigators say they have seized and reviewed footage taken from the camera of tandem instructor Peter Dawson, inside the aeroplane and from witnesses on the ground, which was assisting but did not give “the complete picture”.
Solo skydiver Toby Turner was not carrying a camera, police confirmed.
The pair, along with tandem skydiver local mother-of-eight Kerri Pike, who was on a jump for her birthday, were all pronounced dead after the shock incident on Friday afternoon.
Cairns police Forensic Crash Unit Sgt Scott Ezard, who is leading the investigation alongside officials from the Australian Parachute Federation, said an expert “parachute rigger” would be called in to assess the equipment.
“The expert will be engaged to further examine the packs and parachutes of the tandem and solo to ensure whether they were packed and stowed in the correct manner,” he said.
“This will be an independent parachute rigger who is experienced with parachutes to ensure they were in a serviceable and satisfactory condition.”
Sgt Ezard said the altimeters worn by the two instructors would also be analysed.
It is understood the trio were among a group jumping from the same Skydive Mission Beach aircraft at 14,000 ft (4572m).
Three tandem groups jumped first and landed safely at the dropzone on the beach.
The tandem pair of Mr Dawson, a veteran of more than 10,000 jumps, and Mrs Pike left the plane just ahead of final jumper Mr Turner, who had previously completed about 7000 jumps.
They both landed about 1km away from the normal site.
Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk paid tribute to the victims and said Workplace, Health and Safety officers would be involved in the investigation.
“You just don’t expect these things to happen; it’s usually such a safe sport,” she said.
“I know the thoughts of Queenslanders are with them at this awful time.”