CHON BURI - A Russian parachute instructor fell to his death in Si Racha district on Monday after his main chute got tangled because of turbulence and reserve chute failed to open properly.
The 35-year-old man, whose name is withheld, crashed into the ground near Nong Kor Airport in Nong Kham sub-district after jumping from a plane together with his students in the morning.
Witnesses said the certified instructor’s main chute had initially opened normally but was caught by a wind turbulence when he was about 50 metres above the ground, Thairath Online quoted Nong Kham police investigator Pol Maj Pongsakon Ponpan.
The chute’s lines became tangled and wrapped around his body. The jumper lost control and attempted to deploy the reserve chute, but could not open it in time as he was too close to the ground.
The man’s body was covered by the main chute canopy while his reserve chute only partially opened.
Police would question more witnesses and examine if the man’s company was operating legally, Pol Maj Pongsakon said.