Sky News: sky news — Man, 49, dies taking part in skydive at Dunkeswell Aerodrome
A 49-year-old man has died after taking part in a skydive at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon, and officers remain at the scene as inquiries continue. sky news: the death comes less than a year after a separate fatal tandem jump at the same airfield, prompting renewed attention to the site.
Police called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton after welfare concerns
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, at about 13: 00 GMT on Saturday after concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver. Emergency services attended the scene, where a 49-year-old man was confirmed dead; the force said his family have been informed and officers remain at the scene while inquiries continue.
Devon and Cornwall Police issue statement on Saturday incident
, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm today, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver. Emergency services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed. " Police are guarding the scene and say enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Details about Dunkeswell Aerodrome and local operations
The Dunkeswell Aerodrome is a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, close to the county's border with Somerset. The site is claimed to be the highest licensed airfield in the UK at 839ft (256m) above sea level and, on its website, states it was originally built to be a US naval base during World War Two and now supports a network of aviation businesses and commercial developments.
The aerodrome advertises a range of activities alongside skydiving, including Spitfire flight tours, wing-walking, flight training for aircraft and helicopter training.
Previous fatal tandem jump at Dunkeswell in June 2025
The incident follows the deaths of skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, and Belinda Taylor, 48, who died when their parachute failed to open at Dunkeswell on 13 June 2025. Taylor, who was strapped to Harrison on a tandem jump, was from Totnes, Devon, and was a mother of four; Harrison was from Bournemouth. They suffered multiple injuries after their skydive from 15, 000ft (4. 6km).
The skydiving company that organised that tandem jump later went into administration.
Investigation continuing as emergency services secure the scene
Emergency services, including police and ambulances, attended Dunkeswell Aerodrome at about 13: 00 GMT on Saturday. Officers remain at the location while enquiries are ongoing, and authorities have informed the deceased man's family. sky news notes that the local policing and the recent June 2025 fatalities have put increased focus on operations at the aerodrome.
