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BASE jumping fatalities between 2007 and 2017: Main Causes of Accidents and Recommendations for Safety

par Bouchat, Pierre ;Brymer, Eric EB
Référence Wilderness & environmental medicine, 30, 4, page (407-411)
Publication Publié, 2019-12-11

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Introduction: In this paper, we highlight the main causes of fatal accidents in BASE jump (fixed objects parachuting) between 2007 and 2017 and formulate a set of recommendations to reduce the number of fatalities. BASE jump practice has undergone radical transformations in the last ten years, leading to an increase in the number of fatalities and an evolution of the main risk factors.Method: We identified and classified each fatal accident from the BASE fatality list. This comprehensive list was started in 1981 and identifies all fatal BASE jump accidents around the world. Results: 223 fatalities have been reported between 2007 and 2017, 197 of them being cliff jumps. 137 fatal jumps were wingsuit jumps. Impact and object strike were the main cause of death (96%). Human factors leading to fatality were mostly low pull/no pull (63.7%) and bad exits (15.2%). Equipment factors included off-heading openings, twists and pilot chute entanglement. Environmental factors included strong wind, poor visibility and water. Conclusion: BASE jump practice has undergone radical transformations in the last ten years, leading to an increase in the number of fatalities and an evolution of the main risk factors. Risky practices are listed and key recommendations are formulated in order to limit future fatalities.