Skydiving is an extreme sport that brings excitement, thrill, and freedom. It allows people to jump from thousands of feet above the ground and experience freefall before a parachute opens to slow the descent. While skydiving is safer today than ever before, it still involves real risks. Equipment failure, weather conditions, and human error can cause things to go wrong during a skydive.
In this article, we will explore what happens when skydiving goes wrong. We will explain the most common problems, what causes them, and how skydivers are trained to handle emergencies. The goal is not to create fear, but to help you understand the facts, the safety measures, and what to expect if something unexpected occurs in the air.
How Safe Is Skydiving?
Before discussing what can go wrong, it’s important to understand how safe skydiving is overall. According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), there were only 10 skydiving fatalities in the U.S. in 2023 out of more than 3.9 million jumps. That’s about 1 fatality per 390,000 jumps — an extremely low rate.
Skydiving is highly regulated. Equipment is carefully maintained, instructors go through intense training, and jumpers follow strict safety protocols. Most accidents happen due to avoidable mistakes or rule violations. Still, knowing what could go wrong helps skydivers and students prepare and stay safe.
1. Parachute Malfunctions
What can go wrong:
The most common issue in skydiving is a parachute malfunction. This can happen in several ways:
The parachute may not open at all.
It may tangle or twist.
It may deploy partially but not correctly.
It may open too quickly or too slowly.
Why it happens:
- Packing mistakes
- Damaged equipment
- Sudden weather changes
- Improper body position during deployment
How it’s handled:
Every skydiver wears two parachutes — a main chute and a reserve chute. If the main parachute fails, the skydiver pulls a second handle to release the reserve parachute. The reserve is packed and inspected by a certified rigger, so it is extremely reliable.
Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) are also used. These devices monitor altitude and speed. If the skydiver doesn’t deploy a parachute by a certain altitude, the AAD automatically opens the reserve chute.
2. Hard Landings
What can go wrong:
A skydiver may land too fast or land in the wrong place. This is called a hard landing. It can result in injuries such as:
- Sprained ankles
- Broken bones
- Back or neck injuries
Why it happens:
- Misjudging the landing area
- Strong wind gusts
- Failing to flare (slow down) the parachute correctly
- Landing in trees, water, or on uneven ground
How it’s handled:
Skydivers are trained in proper landing techniques. They learn how to control the parachute and how to roll on landing to reduce injury. Students always jump with instructors until they master safe landings. Drop zones are also chosen carefully to be open, flat, and clear of obstacles.
3. Mid-Air Collisions
What can go wrong:
Skydivers may collide in the air with each other or with their own parachute lines. These collisions can cause:
- Entanglement
- Uncontrolled spinning
- Injury from impact
Why it happens:
- Jumpers leaving the plane too close together
- Lack of awareness during freefall
- Failure to separate before opening parachutes
How it’s handled:
Skydivers are taught how to track away from each other before pulling their parachutes. They practice body awareness and proper spacing. In the event of a mid-air tangle, they are trained to cut away the main chute and deploy the reserve if needed.
4. Equipment Failure
What can go wrong:
Skydiving gear is built for safety, but like all gear, it can fail. Equipment problems include:
- Faulty altimeters
- Broken harness straps
- Inaccurate AADs
- Damaged containers or lines
Why it happens:
- Poor maintenance
- Manufacturing defects
- Improper use or handling
How it’s handled:
All skydiving gear must be inspected regularly. Instructors and riggers check for wear and tear. Before each jump, skydivers also perform a “gear check” to ensure everything is in working order. Backup systems like reserve chutes and AADs help protect jumpers if primary gear fails.
5. Health Emergencies
What can go wrong:
Medical issues during a jump can be dangerous. These include:
- Heart attacks
- Panic attacks
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures or breathing problems
Why it happens:
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Fear or anxiety
- High altitude stress
- Lack of oxygen (especially at very high altitudes)
How it’s handled:
First, skydiving centers screen students for health issues. Medical clearance may be required for people over 60 or those with known conditions. Tandem instructors are trained to spot signs of distress. If a person becomes unresponsive, the instructor can take full control of the parachute and landing. Again, AADs act as a last safety measure.
6. Weather Problems
What can go wrong:
Weather is a major factor in skydiving safety. Dangerous weather includes:
- Strong wind
- Thunderstorms
- Rain or hail
- Low visibility
- Sudden air pressure changes
Why it happens:
- Fast-changing conditions in tropical or coastal areas
- Inaccurate forecasts
- Rushing to jump before a storm
How it’s handled:
Skydiving operations do not proceed if the weather is unsafe. Experienced instructors monitor the weather closely. If conditions change mid-flight, the pilot may return to the ground without jumping. Never pressure a jump if the sky or wind looks risky.
What If You’re a Tandem Skydiver?
If you’re jumping for the first time, chances are you’ll do a tandem jump. This means you’ll be attached to an experienced instructor. Here’s how safety works for tandem skydiving:
The instructor controls everything — the exit, freefall, parachute, and landing.
Tandem gear includes large, stable parachutes.
You’ll wear a harness that attaches to your instructor.
You’ll go through a safety briefing before the jump.
Even if something goes wrong, your instructor is trained to respond quickly. Tandem skydiving has one of the lowest accident rates in the sport.
What Happens After an Incident?
When something goes wrong in skydiving, a full review usually follows:
Instructors write a report.
Gear is inspected by riggers.
Safety managers review video footage.
If needed, the FAA or USPA may investigate.
These steps help prevent future incidents and improve safety protocols. Most skydiving schools take these issues very seriously.
Tips for Staying Safe While Skydiving
If you’re planning a jump, follow these tips to reduce your risks:
Choose a certified skydiving center with a good reputation.
Listen carefully to your instructor’s briefing.
Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Stay calm and focused during the jump.
Avoid alcohol or drugs before jumping.
Stay within your limits — don’t push beyond your comfort zone.
Conclusion
Skydiving is an incredible sport. It gives you the feeling of flying, the rush of freefall, and the beauty of floating down to Earth. But it’s not without risks. When skydiving goes wrong, the most common issues involve parachute problems, hard landings, weather, or health issues. Fortunately, modern equipment, skilled instructors, and strong safety rules help prevent most serious accidents.