An experienced skydiver has died after crash landing at a Gippsland airport.
Police say the man struggled during the jump and crashed near Airfield Road near Morwell on Saturday afternoon.
Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Richard McCooey said initial investigations showed no problem with the parachute and suggested the man had landed awkwardly.
“First aid was provided initially by the club at the airport and then by the paramedics, and they were unable to save him,” McCooey said.
Commando Skydiving Club board member David Richardson said the man had been jumping from 12,000ft with other divers.
“It is an extremely tragic event. He’s been with Commandos for 20 to 30 years, he’s one of our most experienced instructors,” Richardson said.
He said the man was a father, had completed about 2500 dives and also enjoyed scuba diving and cycling.
“He’s just a good guy,” Richardson said. The club conveyed its condolences to the man’s friends and family.