Channel NewsAsia - 2 hours 26 minutes ago
SINGAPORE: A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman died during a free—fall parachute training session in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said First Warrant Officer (1WO) Tan Poh Eng was part of a six—man team that jumped off a Republic of Singapore Air Force C—130 aircraft at a height of 12500 feet to conduct a formation jump.

When the formation broke off at 3500 feet to deploy their parachutes, 1WO Tan, 53, spiralled downwards to the ground.

He was found unconscious at about 4.45pm (Singapore time), and given immediate medical attention by an SAF doctor and a medic on—site.

He was evacuated by helicopter at 5.15pm and arrived at about 5.35pm at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.

1WO Tan, a parachute jump instructor from the Commando Training Institute, was pronounced dead at 5.57pm in the hospital.

He was part of a 51—member SAF Commando team participating in SAF freefall training which is being conducted from April 27 to May 24. The SAF conducts freefall training in South Africa once every two years.

Mindef and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late 1WO Tan and is investigating the incident. All SAF freefall training has been temporarily suspended.
— CNA/yt


I hope that Mindef and SAF will investigate the case thoroughly and explain to his family about what really happened and why he spiralled downwards to the ground when the formation broke off at 3500 feet. At first i was thinking why din they invent a parachute that opens automatically when the man did not open it successfully. Then, someone told me that they already have it. Those that opens automatically is called a static line will auto open. However, as this is a free fall jump, they will have to control their own parachute. I hope that Mindef and SAF will give his family a detailed explanation and compensate them in terms of money and also volunteers to help them through this. However, they should also respect the family and give them time to be alone and grieve over this accident. My friend was under him and i know that he is a nice guy. I wish that god will bless him and his family and help them through the difficult times. He is a nice guy and i'm sure he will be reborn into a good family in his next life. God bless you and rest in peace.