Australian Parachute Federation to probe Torquay skydive accident

Australia’s skydiving watchdog has confirmed it will investigate after a solo jumper “misjudged” her landing and was flown to hospital.

Paramedics leave the Torquay airport after a skydiving accident in December last year. Picture: Alison Wynd

Australia’s skydiving watchdog will investigate after a jump went wrong on the Surf Coast on Saturday.

Paramedics were called to the Torquay airport on Blackgate Rd about 10.30am.

The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) confirmed the woman in her mid-50s was a solo skydiver taking part in a routine training jump.

“(She) misjudged the height above the ground, resulting in a harder than normal landing,” a spokesman said.

“As with any suspected spinal injury, every precaution was taken and she was flown to hospital for further treatment.

“A full recovery is expected.

“The APF will investigate the incident and review the event with all parties involved.”

The woman suffered minor injuries to her upper and lower body and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

It’s understood she broke her angle and sustained a back injury.

On Monday, the hospital confirmed the woman was in a stable condition.

Torquay airport on Blackgate Rd. Picture: Alison Wynd

The APF administers and regulates sport skydiving in Australia under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

There have been a number of skydiving accidents across the region in recent years.

In January, an experienced solo jumper was flown to The Alfred hospital after an incident at Skydive Great Ocean Road on Barwon Heads Rd.

The man was unable to slow his canopy adequately at the time of landing and hit the ground hard.

In December last year, paramedics were called to the Torquay airport after a jumper was taken to hospital.

Originally published as Australian Parachute Federation to probe Torquay skydive accident