Two fatalities in Australia

The double tragedy of two experienced skydivers plunging to their deaths in separate accidents has failed to deter hundreds of other thrill seekers taking to Sydney's skies. Brendan Cook, 34, from Griffith in Canberra, and Jethro Thornton, 24, from Ermington in Sydney's west, died yesterday after their parachutes failed at the Sydney Skydiving Centre in Picton, on the city's southwestern outskirts.

Jumps were suspended yesterday, but Sydney Skydiving Centre owner Phil Onis said it was business as usual today with about 400 people expected to jump.

"The investigation is still underway ... (however) we are operating as per usual ... (with about) 400 jumps per day," he said.

Police and paramedics were called to the centre yesterday when the first man fell to the ground sustaining critical injuries.

Then, to their horror, a second man fell to his death as they watched.

The first accident was about 11am (AEST) when Mr Cook's parachute failed.

He had notched up hundreds of jumps and held an international skydiving licence.

He later died in Liverpool Hospital.

Three hours later, the equally experienced Mr Thornton fell to his death when his parachute failed to open.

There had not been a fatality at the centre for 15 years and staff were still in shock, Mr Onis said.

Police were still gathering evidence for a coronial inquest into the deaths, a police spokeswoman said.

Australian Parachute Federation NSW safety officer Leigh Shepherd said skydiving centres observe strict safety measures.

"The extremes we go to for safety are very high," Mr Shepherd said.

"Obviously, two incidents have now happened but until that's investigated we can't say why.

"My understanding is there's nothing the drop zone could have done to supervise it any closer or prevent it."

He said there was a 0.03 per cent chance of being injured during a solo jump and even less probability in a tandem jump.

There has not been a skydiving fatality in NSW for two years.

"I'm still confident that the most dangerous thing we do each weekend is drive to the drop zone rather than the actual skydiving," Mr Shepherd said.

"I'd still encourage people to come and try and when you try tandem, it's still the safest way to do it."

It is standard practice for skydivers to sign an indemnity form acknowledging they risk serious injury or even death when they skydive.

Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter which airlifted Mr Cook to Liverpool Hospital, said it has airlifted three patients involved in serious skydiving incidents since March.