Australian soldier killed in mid-air training collision with instructor
Warrant Officer Lachlan Muddle (50) died, and the instructor received minor injuries.
www.nzherald.co.nzDirect answer: The latest reports indicate Lachlan Muddle, a Warrant Officer in the Australian Army’s SASR, died during a night-time parachute training collision at Jervis Bay on May 11, 2026, with the Australian Defence Force pausing parachute training nationwide as investigations proceed.[1][2]
Details and context:
- The incident occurred during a six-week advanced freefall training block at Jervis Bay, with both paratroopers wearing night-vision gear; one other paratrooper was injured but survived.[1]
- Muddle, 50, had a long service history (joined 1994; with Special Operations Command since 2007) and was highly experienced as a sniper and freefall parachutist.[2][1]
- Authorities announced a temporary pause of all parachuting operations across the ADF while investigators review safety protocols and the incident’s circumstances.[2][1]
- Reactions included condolences from defence leadership and government officials; press coverage highlighted the impact on the SASR and veteran communities.[3][2]
What this means going forward:
- The pause will likely affect training schedules and capacity across the Defence Force until findings are released and safety measures are updated.[3][2]
- Expect continued media updates as inquiries proceed and more official detail becomes available about cause, contributing factors, and any changes to procedures.[2][3]
Illustration (example of the event): Aerial training incident leading to a mid-air collision; both parachutists deployed chutes but one sustained fatal injuries, prompting a force-wide review of parachuting safety.[1][2]
Citations:
- "Lachlan Muddle dies in Jervis Bay parachute collision"[1]
- "Australian soldier Lachlan Muddle killed after colliding midair with paratrooper"[2]
- "Afternoon Update: One Nation casts shadow over budget; soldier dies in training incident"[3]