Coroner questions skydive scrutiny
CAIRNS coroner Nerida Wilson has questioned the record keeping and “complacency” of the skydiving industry during the inquest into a triple fatality at Mission Beach last year.
Her comments yesterday followed evidence given at the inquest into the deaths of experienced instructor Toby Turner, 34, and tandem pair Peter Dawson, 35, and Kerri Pike, 54, on October 13, 2017.
An Australian Parachute Federation report found Mr Turner’s main canopy prematurely opened as he flew under Mr Dawson and Mrs Pike.
The trio collided at high speed and were killed on impact.
Cairns Coroners Court heard that neither the APF nor Sky Dive Australia kept documented records of Mr Turner’s log book.
“I am very concerned that Toby got through every single crack,” Ms Wilson said.
“I am concerned that this occurred because of some complacency from relationships in a very small community. I suspect it came about from him knowing everyone in the area.”
The coroner said she had yet to see evidence that Mr Turner’s equipment was checked when he started work at Sky Dive Australia’s Mission Beach drop zone.
Mr Turner was regarded as very professional, with reportedly 8000 jumps to his name.
“There is nothing that has been produced that has records of Toby’s gear being there, or of any checks,” Ms Wilson said.
The inquest has heard conflicting interpretations of APF regulations and the roles of senior staff, including drop zone safety officers.
“Here we are three-and-ahalf days into the inquest and I am still unclear as to the role and responsibility of the DZSO at first contact with a new contractor,” Ms Wilson said.
“Surely it is incumbent on the regulator or the operator to ensure there is a record of his history and experience and equipment checks.
“At the moment, I am not convinced Toby kept a log book at all.”
APG investigator Richard McCooey called the collision “a perfect storm”.
“(Mr Turner) may have been there at the exact second, for exactly the right time when the canopy deployed early,” Mr McCooey said. “There is no one in the world who does not know about this. This has never occurred.”
He said a 10-year search revealed 10 collisions between tandem jumpers and free-fallers. Three of those were Mrs Pike, Mr Dawson and Mr Turner.
“None of the others involved serious injury,” he said.
The inquest concludes today.