This jumper was landing off the normal landing area into a field close to the drop zone; he had flown his canopy downwind of the intended landing area for unknown reasons. Investigators suspect that he then made a last-second turn in an attempt to avoid power lines near where he landed.

This jumper was jumping a elliptical canopy at a 1.4:1 wing-loading, which the manufacturer recommends for jumpers of intermediate experience level. The manufacturer does not list the number of jumps or experience required to be considered an intermediate jumper; however, jumpers at this wing loading should be very competent canopy pilots, which requires staying very current. At 500 jumps total and only 50 jumps in the past 12 months, this jumper's experience may have been a factor in the accidental low turn. Highly wing-loaded elliptical canopies will lose a large amount of altitude during a turn, and a jumper must always keep that in mind when flying this type of parachute. The landing pattern needs to be carefully considered, and all turns must be completed with enough altitude for the canopy to return to straight and level flight for the landing flare.

Skydiver's Information Manual Section 5-1 includes recommendations for off-field landings, which specifically warn against making low turns while avoiding obstacles. When faced with an off-field landing, a jumper should carefully scan the selected alternate landing area for any hazards while still high enough to fly to a different location if needed. Once the jumper has selected an alternate site, he should determine a descent strategy based upon the wind speed and direction, as well as the specific challenges of the area.

A braked approach and landing can provide for a slower, safer descent into an unfamiliar landing area. Jumpers should practice braked canopy flight and landings often to become familiar with flying a canopy at slower forward speeds and descent rates. All jumpers can benefit from canopy training beyond the basic instruction taught to student skydivers. Many professional canopy schools offer this type of training, and SIM Sections 6-10 and 6-11 include useful information and canopy drills designed to improve the skills and knowledge of each jumper who works through the training outline with an experienced canopy coach.