Skydiver jumps from 25,000ft with no parachute in world first
A Daredevil has leapt from a plane 25,000 feet into a giant net, becoming the first person in the world to complete a skydive without a parachute.
Luke Aikins was in free fall for around two minutes after jumping from a small propeller plane above Simi Valley on Saturday.
The 42-year-old was not wearing a wing suit or emergency parachute for the jump, which was broadcast live on television.
"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," Mr Aikins said of the jump. "This thing just happened. I can't even get the words out of my mouth.”
He thanked the dozens of crew members who spent two years helping him prepare for the jump, including those who assembled the net and made sure it worked.
While Mr Aikins has made over 18,000 skydives, he admitted being nervous before his latest feat.
During his fall, Mr Aikins was accompanied by three other skydivers, who did have parachutes.
As the group neared the ground, they backed off, giving Mr Aikins space to complete the jump without distraction.
Lights guided Mr Aikin as he fell into a large trawler-like net, suspended above the ground by poles, which measured 30 metres by 30 metres. He hit it at around 120mph.
A spokesman for him said: “Aikins’ leap represents the culmination of a 26-year career that will set a personal and world record for the highest jump without a parachute or wing suit.”
Absolutely Amazing .. What's the most daring thing you have ever done ?
Not a lie .. Reality - The terminal velocity of a Skydiver is about 124 mph (200 kph).
'' He hit it at around 120mph ''.
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A big lie ..................................
YsI recall that well.. It was exciting till the little old lady watching from below realised that you were commando and fainted :O(
Good times
I remember I Jumped from the 64th floor building without any parachute....just my lovey dovey Lungi and I landed safely on the ground......:)
Glad I was not wearing my perforated lungi tat day !