Skydiving Instructor Dies After Parachute Fails to Deploy at Devon Airfield
A coroner has revealed that a skydiver plummeted to the ground after his parachute failed to open for "some unknown reason" during a tragic incident at Dunkeswell airfield near Honiton, Devon. The inquest into the death of Charles McNeil, affectionately known as Chas, was opened today at Devon Coroner's Court in Exeter.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Charles McNeil, a 49-year-old skydiving instructor and HGV driver, was participating in a wingsuit jump with a friend two weeks ago when the fatal accident occurred. Area Coroner Deborah Archer stated that "for some unknown reason the parachute did not deploy and sadly he plummeted to the ground." The precise cause of death has not yet been determined, according to the coroner's initial findings.
The experienced skydiver, who had logged more than 10,000 jumps throughout his career, was using his personal parachute equipment at the time of the incident. Skydive South West, the organization operating at the airfield, confirmed these details while expressing their profound grief over the loss.
A Third Tragedy at Dunkeswell Airfield
This marks the third fatal incident at Dunkeswell airfield within just eight months. Last June, two individuals died during a tandem jump when their parachutes failed to open from 15,000 feet. Inquests have already been opened for those victims—48-year-old mother of four Belinda Taylor and 30-year-old instructor Adam Harrison—by the same coroner's court.
The Crawley-born skydiver had been living in Upton, near Poole in Dorset, and was single at the time of his death. His passing has sent shockwaves through both the skydiving community and among those who knew him personally.
Community Mourning and Tributes
Chas's devastated mother, Karol, expressed her heartbreak while finding solace in the outpouring of support. "As a mother and father our hearts are heartbroken at the loss of our son Chas," she said. "But gives us strength to see all the love and support for everyone that knew him." His father echoed these sentiments, describing the family as "devastated" by the tragedy.
Phoenix Heroes, a veterans charity where Chas served as one of their first Regional Captains, paid emotional tribute to their fallen comrade. They described him as "a good friend, skilled angler, a veteran with a passion for skydiving" whose presence would always bring smiles. The charity highlighted his dedication to helping grow their veteran community and passing on his skills to others.
A fundraising page established for Chas's family has already raised approximately £3,700, demonstrating the widespread support following this tragic loss.
Ongoing Investigations
Multiple authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and the previous fatalities at the airfield. British Skydiving, local police, and relevant authorities are all conducting separate inquiries. The inquests for all three recent deaths have been adjourned to later dates pending further investigation.
A spokesperson for Skydive South West expressed their condolences, noting: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time. As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally."
The spokesperson emphasized the close-knit nature of the UK skydiving community, where such losses are felt deeply across the entire network of enthusiasts and professionals.
