Goulburn skydiving accident claims lives of Alex Welling and Stephen Hoare

An experienced skydive instructor and his adrenaline junkie customer are believed to have fallen to their deaths after getting entangled in the landing gear of a light plane.

An experienced skydiving instructor and his adrenaline junkie client, who were killed in a horrific accident, are believed to have become entangled in the plane’s landing gear before plummeting to their deaths.

Stephen Hoare, 37, and his customer Alex “Alby” Welling, 32, both died in a tragic accident shortly after their tandem jump at Adrenalin Skydive in Goulburn on Sunday.

Shocking photos taken in the seconds after they jumped appear to show the pair caught up in the Cessna 182’s fixed landing gear just moments after jumping out, before falling helplessly to the ground.

The plane’s pilot is understood to have radioed for help after noticing the pair were in trouble and NSW Police are now investigating the incident.

Skydiving instructor Stephen Hoare, 37, was killed after he and his client became entangled in the landing gear of their plane moments after jumping.

The incident is being investigated but it is believed shortly after jumping Mr Hoare and Mr Welling became entangled in the fixed landing gear, before plummeting to the ground. Picture: 9 News

Mr Hoare was originally from Sydney but had worked in the United States, New Zealand and England.

Adrenalin Skydive spokesman Scott Marshall said he was “beloved” by colleagues and clients, and tragically left behind a wife and young family.

“Adrenalin Skydive Goulburn wishes to pass on our deepest condolences following a fatal accident on the weekend, involving one of our beloved instructors and his passenger,” the statement read.

“Our colleague was an experienced skydiver, loving father and husband, and the type of person that made the ride to height fun for his fellow skydivers, and first-time thrill seekers.

“He passed away doing what he loved and our hearts go out to his wife and children.”

His customer Mr Welling had been skydiving casually for more than a decade, with his father Tony telling The Daily Telegraph he first jumped out of a plane for his 21st birthday and was instantly hooked.

Mr Hoare was originally from Sydney but had worked in the United States, New Zealand and England. Picture: Facebook

Alex Welling, 32, was killed in Sunday‘s skydiving accident at Adrenalin Skydive in Goulburn. Picture: Facebook

“My boy was a wild free spirit who lived by his own rules. He lived as he died, seeking adventure and loved the rush of adrenaline it gave him,” he said.

“He was a loyal friend to his close mates and a hard working man. He touched so many lives with his good heart and humour.

“He had a cheeky smile and a infectious laugh. He was no angel by any means, but he will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.”

Mr Welling worked as an excavator driver at a recycling plant in Canberra and had driven up to Goulburn for what was meant to be his latest thrilling adventure.

NSW Police said the incident occurred about 12.50pm on Sunday near the Goulburn Airport.

Both men were found unresponsive and couldn’t be revived.

Mr Marshall said it was a “horrible day” for everyone involved.

Mr Welling’s father Tony told The Daily Telegraph his son’s first skydive was a present he had bought him for his 21st birthday – and he was instantly hooked.

“My heart goes out to their families. It’s been a horrible day for everyone involved here,” he said.

“The skydiving community is extremely tight. We feel like brothers and sisters. I think everyone is in shock. It’s a challenging situation for everyone, including the first responders.”

The deaths of Mr Hoare and Mr Welling comes almost six years after another tragedy skydiving at the same location.