Third Tragic Death Leads to FFA Investigation

A third skydiving fatality in just two months at Skydive Arizona, the world’s largest drop zone, has triggered an FAA investigation and raised serious questions about safety at the facility despite the sport’s generally strong safety record.

Top Takeaways

Three experienced skydivers have died at Skydive Arizona in under two months, with the most recent victim having over 25,000 jumps to his credit.
The FAA is investigating the incidents but focuses primarily on aircraft compliance rather than determining the cause of parachuting accidents.
Skydiving fatalities remain rare nationally, with less than one death per 100,000 jumps according to industry statistics.
Expert analysis suggests many accidents involve experienced skydivers making judgment errors during landing, not equipment failures.
Skydive Arizona spans 90 acres and has expressed condolences while cooperating with multiple authorities investigating the incidents.

String of Fatalities Raises Concerns

The skydiving community in Eloy, Arizona has been shaken by three deaths in quick succession at Skydive Arizona, a premier facility that attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. The most recent incident on February 16 involved a 47-year-old expert skydiver with more than 25,000 jumps, who died attempting a high-risk landing maneuver at low altitude. This follows the deaths of Shawn Bowen, 46, who suffered a hard landing when his parachute reportedly failed to deploy properly, and Ann Wick, 55, who experienced complications with her parachute during a jump.

The cluster of incidents has drawn attention to the facility, which spans 90 acres near Eloy Municipal Airport. While authorities haven’t suggested any systemic problems at the drop zone, the unusually high concentration of fatalities has prompted multiple investigations. The Eloy Police Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Aviation Administration are all examining different aspects of these incidents to determine what went wrong.

Expert Analysis Points to Landing Dangers

Skydiving experts note that the landing phase represents one of the most dangerous portions of any jump. “The problems occurred towards the end of the canopy ride. When you’re starting to form up for landing, some of the most dangerous times during a skydive is during the landing,” explained Josh Zerlan, who was quoted in coverage of the incidents. In many cases, including the most recent fatality, witnesses reported that the equipment functioned as expected, suggesting human error may have been a factor.

The United States Parachute Association has pointed out that many accidents involve experienced skydivers who may become overconfident. According to the organization, accidents often involve an “experienced skydiver who is pushing the limits — makes an error in judgment while landing a perfectly functioning parachute.” This assessment appears consistent with the recent Arizona incidents, where all three victims had significant jump experience.

FAA Investigation and Safety Statistics

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched investigations into all three incidents, though their focus remains primarily on regulatory compliance rather than determining the cause of the accidents. The FAA typically examines whether parachutes were properly packed, reserve parachutes were available, and if proper flight rules were followed. The local law enforcement agencies and Skydive Arizona are conducting separate investigations focused on determining the specific causes of each incident.

Despite these recent tragedies, skydiving safety statistics remain reassuring for most participants. The United States Parachute Association reports less than one fatality per 100,000 jumps nationally. In 2024, only nine fatalities have been reported out of approximately 3.88 million jumps nationwide. These numbers represent a significant improvement in safety compared to previous decades, suggesting that the sport has generally become safer through equipment improvements and training advances.

Community Response

The skydiving community has responded with grief and solidarity following these incidents. Skydive Arizona issued statements expressing condolences after each fatality and has pledged full cooperation with investigators. “The community is saddened by the loss of a cherished member of the Skydiving family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the company stated after Wick’s death, adding that they remain “committed to upholding the highest safety standards.”

While these incidents have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the facility, many experienced skydivers understand the inherent risks involved in the sport. The ongoing investigations will likely produce recommendations that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that the adventure of skydiving can continue with improved safety measures in place. For now, the focus remains on understanding what went wrong and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives pursuing their passion.