MP recalls terrifying parachute accident after jumping from a plane at 15,000 feet

MP recalls terrifying parachute accident after jumping from a plane at 15,000 feet The Tory MP described how the skydive went wrong on a ‘grey and windy’ day in Devon - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A parachuting accident that left an MP suffering from a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition has prompted his campaign to improve access to NHS care. David Reed recounted to the House of Commons how a 15,000-foot jump led to him dangling from an aircraft hangar. The Conservative MP, a former Royal Marine and Team GB Wingsuit Skydiving Squad member, explained that he landed on his ankle after falling from the building. Following the accident in October 2020, he was initially told he had a severe sprain, before being diagnosed with MSK six months later. "My experience has left me deeply frustrated with parts of the NHS, particularly the difficulties accessing timely diagnosis and treatment," he told the Commons on Tuesday. The Exmouth and Exeter East MP asked the government to "improve early diagnosis and timely access to rehabilitation" for people with MSK, aiming to stop avoidable deterioration. Mr Reed further pressed for enhanced rehabilitation services for veterans, pointing out that MSK conditions are a "major reason for medical discharge from the armed forces". In 2024, almost one in five adults in England reported a long-term MSK condition, health minister James Frith said, as he described it as a “national challenge”. Speaking of his experience during an adjournment debate, Mr Reed said: “On a grey and windy day in Devon, I decided to go parachuting, and now this was a near weekly occurrence. “As a reservist member of the Royal Navy parachute display team, I needed to keep current for the following season. “I completed around 700 jumps, and I wasn’t frightened, this was like any other day. But what I did have is something far more dangerous: complacency. “The winds were strong, and the parachutes entered restricted jumping for experienced parachutists only. I was practising precision landings and convinced myself it would be good training. “I also chose to wear trainers rather than my usual military boots, which provided ankle support. “The plane took off, and we climbed to 15,000 feet, the green light came on, and I jumped. Everything went to plan until the landing. “Rather than landing in the middle of the muddy field, away from obstacles, I decided to land closer to where I would be picked up. It was a lazy decision, and it was a stupid one. “As I approached the ground, gusting winds caught my parachute, lifted me, and slammed me into the side of an aircraft hangar. My left foot took the initial impact before the rest of my body smashed into the building. “My parachute went over the roof, leaving me dangling from the hangar. Fortunately, I remained conscious, managed to release my harness, and fell the remaining five or so foot to the ground. “I remember lying there in shock, checking everything was still attached. Then came the searing pain in my left ankle. My wife came and picked me up and drove me straight to A&E. After examinations and scans, I was told that I had suffered a severe sprain.” Mr Reed continued: “Six months later, something was clearly wrong. “My physiotherapist recommended an MRI, which I paid for privately because, again, I was advised that the NHS process would take too long. And when the results came back, I had to catch my breath. “My ankle had been broken the entire time. The fracture had been missed at A&E, and I had spent six months rehabilitating an injury that had never been properly diagnosed.” Concluding his speech, he said: “Six years ago, I was a soldier who could run for miles, jump out of aircraft, and represent my country in sports. “Today, I have to think about every physical activity and the associated cost in pain for doing so. “I don’t share that to seek sympathy. I share it because I understand how profoundly an MSK condition can alter someone’s life, and millions of people across the country are living with far worse circumstances than mine.” Health minister Mr Frith said the MSK Community Delivery Programme, which aims to cut waiting times for MSK, is backed by £6 million for 2026/27. He added: “We must be frank: community waiting lists for MSK remain the longest of any community service. Every delay can mean more pain, less mobility, and a greater risk that somebody leaves work or loses independence.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments