2 Skydivers Die in Lake Elsinore After Parachutes Entangle at 150 Feet

Q: What unseen factor caused two expert skydivers to fatally collide just 150 feet from the ground?

The most likely unseen factor was a canopy-traffic conflict: one jumper turning onto final approach apparently did not see the other skydiver already on final, leading to a low-altitude collision. Skydive Elsinore said the free-fall phase was normal, both parachutes opened at the expected altitude, and there was no sign of equipment failure. According to the drop zone’s co-owner, the collision happened at about 150 feet when one skydiver was gliding straight in and another, above her, turned into the same approach path without seeing her. After impact, the parachutes became entangled, leaving virtually no time or altitude to recover before hitting the ground. Weather remains a possible but unconfirmed contributing factor. Reports from the area noted gusty winds, and local stations cited northeast winds reaching around 20 mph nearby. Investigators have not said wind caused the crash, but strong winds can complicate spacing, visibility, and canopy control during landing. So, based on the available evidence, the key factor was not a hidden equipment defect but a last-moment failure of visual awareness and separation under canopy, possibly made harder by landing-pattern conditions that investigators are still reviewing. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the FAA are investigating.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 8

Georgia Jean, 56, and Levi Pimentel, 29, were pronounced dead after a midair collision during an organized dive at Skydive Elsinore in Southern California.
Skydive Elsinore said the freefall and parachute openings were normal, but the pair collided about 150 feet above ground, tangling their chutes and causing critical injuries on impact.
Riverside County fire crews took both licensed skydivers to a hospital by ambulance, where they later died from traumatic injuries.
Pimentel was a lead instructor at iFLY Naperville, and Jean had logged more than 1,700 jumps, underscoring that both were experienced jumpers.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the fatal accident, which earlier reports said occurred during a women's training camp.