Skydiver dies after striking plane

A MAN who was skydiving in central Florida struck the wing of a plane as he descended over an airport, losing both his legs in the accident. The man later died, officials said.

Albert Wing III hit the airplane that he jumped from Saturday morning, police commander Randel Henderson said. Police said the victim had opened his parachute when he struck the left wing at about 600 feet. His legs were severed at the knees, but he managed to land near an airport.

Mr Wing was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Henderson said. The plane landed safely. DeLand is about 40 miles north of Orlando.

Fourteen other skydivers were in the air at the time, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Holly Baker said.

Skydive DeLand, which organised the jump, said Saturday’s accident was not common. The death was the second involving the company this year.