Pelvic Fractures and Parachute Opening Shock (POS): Unveiling a Rare Skydiving Hazard. A case report and review of literature.

A 49-year-old military skydiver was found dead in a private garden with a pool of blood under his body. Radiological examination was performed prior to autopsy, which revealed multiple pelvic fractures. The autopsy confirmed these fractures while also identifying the right internal iliac artery’s tear. The cause of death was attributed to acute hemorrhagic shock. The case was analyzed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of engineers, pathologists, and radiologists. It was important to define the dynamics to understand a possible equipment malfunction. The case study determined that the event was accidental, and that the skydiver's death was caused by hemorrhage from the laceration of the internal iliac artery due to the pelvic fracture. This fracture probably occurred during the opening phase of the parachute due to the so-called opening shock. In support of this hypothesis, video footage shows that the parachutist was alive until the moment of opening and that the landing was extremely soft. In addition, the pattern of blood spatter (high velocity) on the parachute bag indicates that the blood spill occurred while the parachutist was still in free fall, confirming that the pelvic injury occurred during the opening phase. By confirming the forensic data with the engineering report on the parachute and flight, the dynamics of the accident were clarified, identifying the opening of the parachute as the critical moment for the fatal injury. The case presented highlights the importance of a thorough forensic and engineering investigation in such circumstances to ascertain the manner of death.