Man Survives 3,300-Meter Skydive Fall After Parachute Malfunction
In an extraordinary incident, Mitchell Deakin survived a 3,300-meter fall after his parachute failed to open during a skydive in the Nevada desert on September 17, 2022. Despite the parachute malfunction, Deakin managed to walk away with severe injuries, while another couple on the same plane remained unharmed.
The accident occurred when both Deakin's and his instructor's parachutes, along with the reserve parachute, failed to open. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the cause of this rare malfunction. Deakin, despite the terrifying ordeal, followed some key survival techniques. He steered towards a clear landing area, relaxed his body, bent his knees to absorb impact, and protected his head and neck upon the landing. These actions, along with sheer luck, contributed to his survival.
Deakin was rushed to the hospital with a fractured pelvis, several ribs, a punctured lung, and a kidney injury. His instructor, Jirón Arcos Ponce, was initially in critical condition but was later discharged from the hospital. Deakin's partner, Isabel Clacher, has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover medical expenses, raising over 18,000 pounds. The BBC suggests that falling headfirst, landing on flexible structures, and bending the legs can help reduce terminal speed and increase survival chances in such incidents.
Deakin's survival is exceptional, with few lucky survivors reported from such a high fall. The FAA's investigation into the parachute malfunction is ongoing. Despite his severe injuries, Deakin's survival serves as a testament to the importance of proper training and quick thinking in high-risk situations.
