duluth airshow - parachute accident


“And break... whoa s**t!”


That’s how the Duluth Airshow PA announcer reacted on Saturday when two U.S. Navy Leap Frog parachute team members were supposed to break off from each other during a free-falling stunt, but didn’t until it was too late. The result was an exceptionally hard landing that left one member in serious condition.


@iamcanvasman Duluth Airshow accident #parachute ♬ original sound - CanvasMan



“The individual was immediately tended to by emergency personnel and airlifted to Essentia Health/St. Mary’s where he is in stable condition and being treated for his injuries,” Jodi Grayson, a spokesperson for the airshow, said.


According to the PA announcer, the two men were traveling up to 90 mph before they broke apart, giving the second man’s parachute minimal time to break his fall.


Duluth Airshow President Ryan Kern expressed concern over the incident, but commended his team’s preparation and rapid response. “Everyone reacted instantly, and we were able to render care immediately,” he explained.


“I was there,” winnie_and_willie commented on TikTok. “It all happened so quickly that unless you were up front, it was unclear what happened. I hope he recovers quickly.”


This incident comes just two weeks after a pilot was killed in a collision while preparing for an airshow in Colombia, and less than a year after a midair collision killed six during the Veterans Day Dallas Airshow. However, once the stricken trooper was cleared, the Duluth airshow continued through Sunday, minus the parachute team.


After all, the (air)show always must go on.