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Skydiving Accident Claims Two Lives, Court Holds Center Accountable

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A skydiving accident at Goulburn airport in New South Wales on June 27, 2021, resulted in the deaths of tandem skydiver Alex Welling, 32, and instructor Stephen Hoare, 37.
A video captured Welling smiling before their equipment snagged on a newly installed metal step on the plane, leading to their fatal fall.
The Goulburn Flight Training Centre and its director, John Ferrara, were found guilty of breaching workplace safety duties in NSW District Court.
The court allowed the video to be shown despite family objections, citing its potential to prevent future incidents. Ferrara will be sentenced later.

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Story summary

A skydiving accident at Goulburn airport in New South Wales on June 27, 2021, resulted in the deaths of tandem skydiver Alex Welling, 32, and instructor Stephen Hoare, 37.
A video captured Welling smiling before their equipment snagged on a newly installed metal step on the plane, leading to their fatal fall.
The Goulburn Flight Training Centre and its director, John Ferrara, were found guilty of breaching workplace safety duties in NSW District Court.
The court allowed the video to be shown despite family objections, citing its potential to prevent future incidents. Ferrara will be sentenced later.