Parachute Failed Mid-Air, But One Mistake Nearly Made It Worse

Most of us will never know what it's like to jump out of a plane. For some, it's the ultimate adrenaline rush. For others, it’s an unimaginable risk.

But for Jordan Hatmaker, skydiving wasn’t just a bucket list item; it had become a regular part of her life. She wasn’t a thrill-seeker chasing extremes; she was simply passionate about the sport. That passion almost killed her.

In 2021, Jordan had her sights set on earning her skydiving license. By then, she’d already completed 15 solo jumps and a handful of tandem ones.

“I was in love,” she wrote in her memoir, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky.

“From the adrenaline rush of jumping out of a plane at 13,500 feet above the ground to the great sense of accomplishment after landing.”

Her first jump was back in 2015. Over the years, she kept returning, each time falling deeper into the sport.

When a few of her friends decided to pursue their licenses in 2020, she figured it was time to do the same. Obtaining a skydiving license means you’re no longer just along for the ride; you can jump solo at any drop zone without supervision.

On November 14, 2021, Jordan was making her second jump of the day. The weather was perfect. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon in Virginia Beach, with clear skies and ideal conditions. She had no reason to expect what would happen next.

“I knew something was wrong as soon as I pulled my parachute,” she said, and in that moment, everything changed.

In 2021, Jordan faced a serious problem when her parachute malfunctioned during a skydive.

The smaller pilot chute, which is supposed to pull out the main parachute, got tangled around her leg. She was stuck, one leg wrapped up and suspended midair, plummeting toward the ground without anything to slow her down.

“I went into survival mode,” she said. It only took 20 seconds from the moment she released the cord to when she hit the ground, but, she added, “it felt way longer.”At no point did she think she was going to die. “I just thought it was going to hurt,” she said.

And it did. Jordan hit the ground at roughly 80 miles per hour. She survived the fall, conscious the entire time, and was airlifted to the hospital.

On the way, paramedics administered ketamine to ease the pain.

“I remember flying through a kaleidoscope of changing shapes and colors,” she said. When she came to, she looked up at two paramedics and asked, “Am I alive, dead, or in a third dimension?”Supplied

The skydiver hit the ground at about 80 mph.

What she didn’t do during that fall, and what she now calls her one big mistake, was deploy her reserve parachute.

“Looking back, I should’ve immediately deployed my reserve upon realizing something was wrong.”

Her injuries were devastating. She broke five vertebrae and sustained a spinal cord injury. She also suffered a pilon fracture, a high-impact break in the lower leg that often requires multiple surgeries and a long recovery.

“The spinal cord injury has caused internal organ dysfunction and numbness in parts of my body,” she explained.Supplied

Jordan’s injuries could have been much more serious.

Recovery wasn’t quick or easy. But Jordan persevered. Two years after the accident, she marked the anniversary of being able to walk again without support by going hiking and bouldering.

“Forever grateful for my mobility,” she wrote on Instagram.

She also has some clear advice for others: don’t wait around. “DO EVERYTHING! Don’t put off your bucket list items,” she said.

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Understanding Skydiving Safety

According to Dr. David McGowan, an aerodynamics expert, understanding the physics behind skydiving can significantly reduce risks. He emphasizes that proper training and equipment checks are crucial, as even minor errors can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Dr. McGowan explains, 'Skydiving is not just about the thrill; it's about respecting the mechanics of the sport.' Regular equipment maintenance and situational awareness can prevent accidents like the one experienced by Jordan Hatmaker. Utilizing safety protocols recommended by organizations such as the United States Parachute Association is essential for any skydiver, whether novice or experienced.

Emergency preparedness is vital in high-risk sports like skydiving. Experts recommend that jumpers undergo regular refresher courses to stay updated on safety protocols. James Clear, a productivity expert, suggests that establishing a routine for safety checks can minimize errors. He notes, 'Routines help automate critical tasks, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.'

Furthermore, implementing a buddy system can enhance safety, as experienced jumpers can mentor novices, sharing insights that could prevent future accidents. Learning from past mistakes is key in any sport.

Jordan Hatmaker had taken to skydiving as a hobby.

True to her word, she returned to skydiving in September, this time on a tandem jump, and says she’d love to get back in the air again soon.

“You never know when life is going to change or end,” she said. “When I was in the hospital, a persistent thought was: what if I can never walk again? I’m so happy I’ve lived life to the fullest so far.”

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Jordan’s story isn’t about luck or miracles; it’s about survival, facing oneself honestly, and pushing through. She didn’t come out the same; she confronted her mistakes, endured the pain, and decided to keep going.

It shows that even after something frightening, we can rebuild, redefine what we’re capable of, and keep chasing what makes life worth living. Her journey is about owning her path, refusing to quit, and making every moment matter.

Healing Approaches & Techniques

Skydiving, while exhilarating, highlights the importance of safety in adventure sports. As research indicates, thorough training and a strong focus on equipment checks can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents. The insights from experts like Dr. David McGowan and James Clear reinforce that preparation and awareness are fundamental to enjoying such high-stakes activities.

Moreover, learning from experiences like Jordan Hatmaker's ordeal can serve as a valuable lesson for both novices and seasoned jumpers alike. As the saying goes, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'—this holds true in skydiving and beyond.