Overview

• The 48-year-old jumped from about 3,000 meters from a Cessna on Saturday afternoon over the glider airfield in Bad Dürkheim.
• Police said the descent initially proceeded as planned before the fall speed rose sharply roughly 30 meters above the ground.
• The jumper struck the ground uncontrollably and sustained severe internal injuries, with the emergency physician describing his condition as critical.
• Authorities are examining the incident and currently consider a flight error the probable cause, with final findings pending.
• The case follows other air-sport accidents reported this year in the region that have drawn continued safety scrutiny.