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Experienced Wingsuit Skydiver, 49, Dies at Devon Airfield as Inquiries Begin

Authorities have opened formal investigations at Dunkeswell Aerodrome following the third death there in nine months.

Overview

  • Devon and Cornwall Police were called just before 1 p.m. on Feb. 28 to Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Honiton, where a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead and scene guards remain in place.
  • Operator Skydive South West said the man was a licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps who was performing a wingsuit jump with a friend using his personal parachute equipment.
  • British Skydiving confirmed it will convene a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances, with findings to be provided to the coroner and police.
  • Skydive South West said the cause has not been determined, asked the public to avoid speculation, and said staff are assisting investigators.
  • The deceased has been locally named as Chas McNeil, 49, from Swindon, and the airfield is the same site where Belinda Taylor and Adam Harrison died in a tandem jump in June 2025 after which a new operator took over.