The Irish Aviation Authority needs to issue guidelines for parachute jumps in Ireland, a report said today.
The recommendation came from the Air Accident Investigation Unit which investigated an incident in which two people were pushed away from their drop zone by strong winds and collided with a mechanical digger at a nearby building site.
The instructor and novice, who were taking part in a charity jump in Hacketstown Co Carlow in April 2007, were also forced to avoid overhead electrical cables.
The report by investigator Paddy Judge said the Irish Aviation Authority should introduce guidance covering parachuting activity in Ireland.
The guidelines should stipulate that the drop zone should be free of hazards and away from electrical power cables.
Mr Judge also recommended that parachute centres in Ireland should re-certify procedures for parachutists who have been involved in accidents.
He also called on the facilities to conduct regular inspections of the drop zone and surrounding area to ensure that no new hazards or obstructions exist.
The report found the instructor had completed five jumps successfully prior to the accident that day.
The parachutists had jumped from the Cessna aircraft from a height of 9,000 feet.
Mr Judge found that the parachute deployment height and operation were normal.
The parachute was properly packed, had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was in good condition.
“Gusts of wind on the day had the potential to exceed the forward speed capability of the parachute,” Mr Judge found.
The instructor’s general parachute permit was valid but his medical certificate was not, he added.
“The approach flown by the instructor resulted in an undershoot, possibly due to a gust of wind. The instructor then turned and landed off the drop zone in a hazardous area.
“A new building was being constructed in a field that was previously hazard free.”
PA