IAF Junior Warrant Officer Loses Life After Parachute Fails to Open

In a tragic incident, Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) Manjunath GS of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost his life during a routine training exercise at the Paratrooper Training School (PTS) in Agra on Friday after his parachute reportedly failed to deploy. The 36-year-old paratrooper, hailing from Shivamogga district in Karnataka, was part of a team conducting a scheduled parachute jump from an AN-32 aircraft.

Details of the Incident

According to an official IAF communique to the Agra Police:

• Around 8:30 AM, a group of 12 paratroopers took off aboard an AN-32, a frontline transport and cargo aircraft of the IAF.
• After the jump, 11 paratroopers landed safely within the designated dropping zone.
• However, JWO Manjunath GS did not return with the team, prompting an immediate search operation.

He was later found critically injured in a wheat field near Sutendhi village, under the jurisdiction of Malpura Police Station. His parachute had failed to deploy, leading to a severe fall. Despite being rushed to the IAF hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival.

Investigation Underway

The IAF has initiated a detailed probe to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. A senior official from the Parachute Regiment explained that:

• Paratroopers usually carry two parachutes during such exercises:
  • The main parachute, which automatically deploys within five seconds during a static line jump or at 1,500 feet during a free fall.
  • The reserve parachute, which requires manual activation in case of a primary parachute failure.
• In rare cases, entanglement of the reserve parachute occurs, especially if the main parachute is not properly cut off before deployment.

An expert team from the IAF will conduct a thorough examination of:

• The parachute deployment mechanism, including locks and harnesses.
• Possible technical malfunctions or procedural lapses.
• Environmental factors like wind conditions that could have influenced the jump.

Police and Postmortem Procedures

Malpura SHO Pramod Sharma confirmed that the body has been sent for postmortem. The family of JWO Manjunath GS has been informed, and subsequent official procedures are being carried out in coordination with the IAF.

A Rare but Serious Occurrence

While parachuting is an inherently high-risk activity, such incidents are rare due to the stringent safety protocols followed by the IAF. However, similar accidents have occurred in the past, including:

• In May 2023, Seaman Ankush Sharma of the Indian Navy lost his life after his parachute became entangled in a high-tension power line during a routine jump at PTS.
• Between 2018 and 2019, at least three paratroopers lost their lives during free-fall jump courses due to equipment failures or procedural errors.

Tributes and Condolences

The IAF has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of JWO Manjunath GS, recognizing his dedication and service to the nation. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks faced by military personnel, even during training, as they prepare to defend the country in challenging operational environments.