Airborne Assault MuseumCanon Alan Hughes recalls:
"We were in wedge of four Herc, 400 jumping, nav got height wrong, 600ft exit instead of 8…despatchers got count wrong, Mike and I despatched opposing doors at same time, no separation…he went through my rigging lines, both chutes ineffective so I pulled reserve and brought us both down well ahead of everyone else, with containers still attached miraculously with no injury. It made front page of all the nationals except guardian and times, putting Queen opening North Sea gas pipeline on to page 3
A regular PSI ran up and asked me for me last four shouting “I am reporting you for negligent canopy handling”. As I protested others gathered and told me he was winding me up as he grinned widely…I cannot relate what happened next, it is the stuff of 4 para legend but is the reason cannot I cannot add to my bio."
Image details
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| Copyright Credit | The Northern Echo, image donated by Canon Alan Hughes |
| Date | 31st October 2025 |
