In a devastating incident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon, two skydivers lost their lives on Friday. The accident, which occurred around 1:00 PM BST, has prompted an investigation by British Skydiving and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the fatalities at the scene and have established cordons around the area.

Investigation Underway

British Skydiving, the national governing body, expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, stating, "Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends, and the entire skydiving community." The organization is collaborating with the CAA, police, and other relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident. A spokesperson for the CAA noted, "We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident."

Historical Airfield

Dunkeswell Aerodrome, located in the Blackdown Hills near the Devon-Somerset border, is a site rich in history. Originally constructed as a US naval base during World War II, it is now the highest licensed airfield in the UK at 839 feet above sea level. The aerodrome offers various activities, including skydiving, Spitfire flight tours, and wing-walking.

Skydiving Safety Record

Despite the tragic nature of this incident, skydiving fatalities in the UK are statistically rare. The British Parachute Association has reported no tandem skydive fatalities from 2001 to 2020, highlighting the general safety of the sport. The current investigation aims to uncover any factors that contributed to this rare occurrence.