Skydiver Holly Wiffen survives 10,000ft fall after mid-air collision

British skydiver Holly Wiffen, 35, survived a mid-air accident at Langar Airfield near Nottingham on August 7 after being knocked unconscious during a group tracking jump. While performing formation maneuvers at approximately 12,000 feet, Wiffen was accidentally struck in the head by another participant, causing her to lose consciousness.

Following the collision, Wiffen plummeted roughly 10,000 feet at speeds reaching up to 240 km/h. Although a fellow jumper attempted to reach her, they were unable to secure her and had to deploy their own parachute. Wiffen managed to pull her ripcord approximately five seconds before impact, though the simultaneous deployment of her main and reserve parachutes created a “downplane” effect, which increased her descent speed.

Wiffen ultimately survived by crashing into a conifer tree, which cushioned her fall and prevented her from hitting nearby buildings or roads. She sustained a broken left leg and fractured vertebrae. She is currently recovering at her parents' home. Her sister, Hannah, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with physiotherapy and living expenses while Wiffen, who is self-employed, recovers.