Friday Freakout: Close Call, Skydivers Avoid Midair Canopy Collision

[@TEEMsky]

*WHAT HAPPENED* Just before break-off on this 2-way belly jump, one jumper got flipped over the other right before "tracking away" - but neither jumper really tracked. When they deployed, they were dangerously close to each other and nearly had a midair collision. *WHY DID IT HAPPEN* Bad Tracking The jumper who submitted the video said that the second jumper failed to turn 180 degrees away and tracked under him. However, from what we're seeing here this was really just poor tracking by both jumpers. As seen best in the second jumper's video (camera 2), the first jumper sees his buddy, waves off, doesn't really create any distance, sinks out a bit, checks his altitude, and deploys. The second jumper at least tries to track a little, but also doesn't get much distance before deploying. *HOW COULD IT BE PREVENTED* Track Like Everyone is Trying to Kill You We really hate using cliches on Friday Freakout, but this is one of the most important cliches in skydiving. When it comes to tracking and canopy piloting, you need to make room and consider anyone around you as a threat to your life. These two didn't create space, didn't track, and - evidently - didn't consider the other jumper an immediate threat to their life. As a result they both had super lazy tracks and opened up in each other's faces.

[@stuartbain2815]

Tracking is a really good idea and its even better when you go the opposite direction

[@gouda2872]

Tracking is my favorite part of the jump and why I love angle flying. Why deny yourself that fun! TRACK LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT! Cuz it does.

[@Rippers-TV]

Not only did they not track, the guy filming turned back towards his buddy before that abysmal attempt. Good lord.

[@slartybarfastb3648]

Actually tracked under and past the buddy on the same heading. I think this looks like a Coach, and A-license student filling out the A-license card requirements?

[@adelardj7026]

That's why I always track properly, while slowly counting to at least to 5 in my head, I also look between my legs and around me to see where others are tracking.

[@malreynolds9591]

Now THAT is a rear riser turn! Good save after some sub-par break aways.

[@Akegata42]

If there's anything the movie Cutaway has taught me, it's that you don't track away from your friends.

[@SEILLC]

The big sky theory worked! This time.

[@xBoddahhh]

Old mate tracked like a potato towards the centre. Jfc

[@phutton88]

2nd guy would track in circles if he didn’t need a parachute 🤣

[@Ac1d_BuFu]

It looks more like the first guy is trying to see how close together they can open their canopies

[@citizenorycle2129]

Track away!! All's well that ends well.

[@philipsturtivant9385]

Watching the two videos and focusing on the landscape, not the jumpers, I think that - having "tracked" briefly, and half-heartedly - both inadvertently turned to face the other when they went to pull. If you can't stay on heading at pull time, you shouldn't be jumping with others. It's fundamental isn't it??

[@thewongtim]

yikessss, close call!

[@Dizzyswoops]

I used to track away before pulling. I still do. But I used to too.

[@justinmann29]

Was that a Mitch Hedberg reference?

[@Dizzyswoops]

@@justinmann29 You got it 🫶

[@kevintrabert1922]

Everyone imagine what would have happened if his chute didn’t snivel so long.

[@sergeyno963]

Разбежка? Нет, не для нас!

[@TwilightSun32]

tracking? ain't nobody got time for that!

[@slartybarfastb3648]

Was it an odd camera thing, or did her canopy really open in that much of a dive?

[@base615]

Literally the worst I've seen on here in terms of skills. How did old mate get enough jumps to be allowed to jump a camera without learning to track properly? At least he kind of tried a bit though, the other dude didn't even bother at all.

[@walterwhite6499]

You don't track, you end up in a wreck

[@olexiydevyatka]

Ban for the first jumper. Let him to learn to track away and to open.

[@maxiking8496]

they didnt avoid anything, that was pure luck

[@TEEMsky]

Fact.

[@MagninJonathan]

The first jumper doesn't turn around before tracking, he tracks beneath the other guy 🤦🏼‍♂

[@samwise9122]

2 Gopros and they cant even track also a terrible fruit loop, Ill give it a 1/10 for not dying

[@Pghlife966]

Hey. MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRACK

[@КенКен-ь6е]

Напильники😂