The allure of wingsuit flying is undeniable. Soaring through the air, defying gravity, and experiencing the world from a bird’s-eye view captures the imagination like few other extreme sports. But beneath the thrilling descent lies a sobering reality: wingsuit flying remains one of the riskiest endeavors, and its death rate is a growing concern.
With increasing popularity, fueled by cinematic portrayals and advancements in gear, more individuals are taking to the skies. However, this accessibility also brings heightened dangers, leading to a noticeable rise in wingsuit fatalities, sparking urgent calls for improved safety measures and rigorous training.
The Alarming Truth: Wingsuit Flying Fatalities on the Rise
Wingsuiting has always carried inherent risks, but recent statistics paint an increasingly grim picture. Fatalities expert Dave Mandt has highlighted a concerning trend: the average number of wingsuit deaths has seen a marked increase, with as many as two wingsuit flyers dying annually in recent years, a number that has spiked significantly since 2014.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the evolution of wingsuit designs, lighter and more advanced materials, and high-profile media exposure in films like ‘Point Break.’ While these developments have democratized the sport, they have also exposed more enthusiasts to its extreme dangers.
The Dangers of Inexperience and Improper Training
The recommended method for wingsuit flying involves precise maneuvers, often beginning from an aircraft or high altitude, followed by deploying a parachute at around 3.5 km. Unfortunately, many newcomers bypass proper protocols, attempting jumps from cliffs without adequate training or the right equipment. This lack of preparation is a primary contributor to tragic accidents.
A wingsuit, costing around $6,500, can also be rented from specialized providers like UPT or APEX for $65 to $100 per jump. This financial barrier means that many aspiring pilots cannot afford to own their gear or accumulate sufficient flight time, leading to less experience and a higher potential for error.
The sport also carries a “stigma” among experienced BASE jumpers: once you commit to wingsuiting, the precision and financial investment make it difficult to diversify without extensive additional training. The story of Trevor Petersen, an experienced BASE jumper who tragically died in a wingsuit accident in 2009 alongside Uli Emanuele, underscores the critical difference between BASE jumping and wingsuit flying expertise.
The Harsh Reality of a Wingsuit Crash
The sheer speed involved in wingsuit flying makes crashes far more unforgiving than other forms of aerial sports. Even if a flyer survives the initial impact with a wall or the ground, the high velocity often results in severe internal injuries and multiple broken bones, making recovery incredibly challenging, if not impossible.
In contrast, a BASE jumper, operating at lower speeds, has a greater chance of survival and recovery. Landing in trees or water, while still dangerous, offers a much softer impact compared to striking solid ground or rock formations at wingsuit speeds.
A Miraculous Survival: Mark Roestenberg’s Story
Amidst the grim statistics, there are rare stories of survival that highlight both the perils and the resilience of the human spirit. Mark Roestenberg’s experience in 2011 is one such testament. Despite a catastrophic crash, he survived thanks to a combination of basic, yet functional, gear and the invaluable expertise of his father, an orthopedist.
Roestenberg sustained horrific injuries, including a broken pelvis, both hips, and legs, alongside a collapsed lung. After an intense 15-day stay in the ICU, he embarked on a long road to recovery, eventually making a full return to health.
His journey back to the sky, however, is not simple. He hasn’t been able to jump since, as the sport demands at least a year of specialized “landing training” before an individual can safely return after such an incident.
Key Statistics: Wingsuit Fatalities Since 2014
Dave Mandt’s dedicated efforts to track wingsuit fatalities since 2014 aim to increase awareness and ultimately reduce the death rate. His data clearly illustrates the escalating danger.
While fatalities were relatively low until 2014, with only two recorded deaths, the numbers sharply rose:
2015: 4 fatalities
2016: 9 fatalities (averaging one death every 2.5 months)
These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive safety reforms. Some of the notable fatalities during this period include:
Riccardo Cassin (February 17th, 2015)
Josh Sheppard (August 1st, 2016)
Mark Sutton (August 24th, 2016)
Without proper education, rigorous training, and accessible, high-quality gear, the number of fatalities in this extreme sport is likely to continue its upward trajectory.
Enhancing Wingsuit Safety: A Call to Action
The wingsuit flying industry faces a critical challenge: balancing the sport’s thrilling appeal with an unwavering commitment to safety. Reducing the death rate requires a multi-faceted approach involving manufacturers, training organizations, and the flyers themselves.
Industry’s Role in Reducing Risks
Key strategies for improving safety include:
Equipment Improvement: Continuously innovating and enhancing wingsuit and parachute technology for maximum reliability and performance.
Mandatory Training: Implementing standardized, rigorous training programs that go beyond basic jumps and focus on advanced maneuvers, emergency procedures, and decision-making under pressure.
Increased Experience Requirements: Emphasizing “flight time and experience” over the sheer number of jumps, ensuring pilots possess a deep understanding of their suits and the environment.
Affordable, Quality Gear: Companies like UPT and APEX offering discounted or accessible quality gear can help ensure more pilots are flying with reliable equipment, rather than cutting corners.
The industry also bears the responsibility of fostering a culture of safety. There’s a clear disparity between responsible practitioners and those who disregard safety protocols due to ignorance or a lack of readily available information. Without comprehensive education and clear guidelines, fatalities driven by inexperience and a lack of proper judgment will unfortunately persist.
Investing in low-cost, high-quality equipment can also enable operators to hire more qualified staff for supervision and instruction, further contributing to a safer environment for all participants.
Conclusion: Embracing Safety in the Sky
Wingsuit flying, with its unparalleled thrill, will undoubtedly continue to captivate adventurers. However, the rising death rate serves as a stark reminder of the immense risks involved. It is imperative that the focus shifts squarely to education, training, and experience.
By fostering a culture of informed responsibility, supported by advanced equipment and stringent safety standards, the wingsuit community can work towards a future where the exhilaration of flight is matched by an unwavering commitment to preserving lives.
