Parachutist died 'accidentally'

An experienced parachutist died when an advanced landing he was attempting went wrong, an inquest has heard.

Sam Bailey, 30, from Lincolnshire, was hurt on his third jump of the day at the British Parachute School, Langar, Nottinghamshire, in September.

He suffered severe head injuries and died at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre. The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Bailey was a successful photographer and was filming before the accident.

The type of landing he was attempting, known as a "low hook", is only carried out by the most experienced skydivers.

Mr Bailey had successfully performed the jump many times before.

His wife, Sarah, also a keen parachutist, told the inquest he had turned fractionally lower than normal and his canopy was at a slight angle rather than horizontal to the ground, as it should have been been.

Instructor Andrew Pike said Mr Bailey landed on his feet then bounced, until he came to a stop around 30 feet later.

Helmet camera

By this time his helmet had been knocked off his head and he was unconscious.

Nottinghamshire Coroner Nigel Chapman said he had "absolutely no doubt" as to the cause of his death.

The head injuries were so bad there was no need for a post-mortem examination.

After the hearing Tony Butler, an investigator from the British Parachute Association, said: "Because (Mr Bailey) had a helmet camera, he would have had a very sturdy helmet.

"But when somebody hits the ground at that kind of speed - probably about 80mph (128km/h) - I don't think any helmet would help somebody in those instances."

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