A British SAS soldier killed in a parachuting accident in South Africa died while taking a late turn that was too low before hitting the ground, a safety official has revealed.
Staff Sergeant Chris Good was representing Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria when he tragically lost his life on Wednesday.
Mark Bellingan, head of safety and training at the Parachute Association of South Africa, described SSgt Good as an experienced skydiver with 5,300 jumps over his career.
While setting up for his landing in the Distance category of the event, Mr Good appeared to initiate a turn that was too low.
His initial impact was with the ground at the entrance to the swoop pond. He then proceeded to cart wheel ending up in the middle of the pond.
Staff Sergeant Chris Good was representing Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria (Pictured ahead of the event)
SSgt Good had been competing for ten years, he recently revealed in a video shared online
The veteran skydiver had been competing for a decade, he revealed recently (Pictured during a recent flight in Salisbury)
The 52-year-old was immediately recovered from the swoop pond and pronounced dead after desperate attempts to resuscitate him failed, the South African Parachute Association said.
SSgt Good had been part of the Armys elite Red Devils parachute display team before joining the SAS in 2004, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The avid skydiver had served in E Squadron - the most elite and secretive of the special forces unit, which works alongside MI6 spies.
The SAS confirmed that he had died during the contest, which sees competitors go head to head in speed, freestyle and distance categories.
A cause of death is still to be established as nothing obvious was detected on the scene, Bellingan said.
Ssgt Good revealed last month that he had started using a new harness which was designed to allow him to travel further and faster.
As always, a change or development can bring risk! SSgt Good said at the time.
In a video shared by British Skydiving, the sports governing body, ahead of the championships, SSgt Good said he had been competing in canopy piloting for 10 years.
The challenge for this year, I have moved on to a new harness for distance and speed, he said.
Its the first chance I have had to put this over the water. Its just learning how that changes everything that we have been doing for the last eight, nine years in a conventional harness.
Sharing news of his death, British Skydiving described him as a cherished member of the team and an exceptionally skilled skydiver whose loss will be deeply felt within our sport.
He had been part of the Armys elite Red Devils parachute display team during his lengthy Army career
British Skydiving described him as a cherished member of the team and an exceptionally skilled skydiver
SSgt Good revealed last month that he was using a new harness, showing off his skills in a video posted by British Skydiving
Skydive Netheravon, the base of the Armys parachute association, said in a statement: It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of instructor and friend Chris Good.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Former SAS sergeant Matt Hellyer paid tribute to his former comrade, writing: A paratrooper and pilgrim, fly high brother, see you at the [final rendezvous].
A letter from the SAS Association to members shared news of SSgt Goods passing.
We are sad to report the death of Christopher (Chris) Good on 25th September 2024 whilst participating in the World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria, it read.
He came to 22 SAS from 3 Para, passing SAS selection in 2004. He Served in 2 Troops A Squadron and also with E Squadron (22 SAS).