By Ed Chatterton via SWNS
This is the incredible moment a group of wingsuit skydivers were able to fly in formation at 100mph with the PLANE they had jumped from just moments earlier.
British thrill-seekers Jack Peploe and Andy Ford were among the group that pulled off the rare feat that only a handful of people have ever achieved.
The pair took to the skies above Elblag, Poland on Thursday (22/8) alongside other European daredevils hitting speeds of 100mph after jumping from 13,000ft.
Amazing photos and footage show the flyers soaring alongside the aircraft they had exited 20 seconds earlier as they “pushed the boundaries of modern skydiving“.
One jumper came so close to the plane he was even able to touch its tyre as they descended during the 166-second fall.
Andy believes only a few elite divers have pulled off the stunt since the advent of wingsuits back in 1996.
He says the achievement is a testament to the skill and precision required by both the pilot and the skydiver.
Andy, of Northamptonshire, added: “We’re thrilled to have successfully executed this formation flight.
“It’s a surreal experience to be so close to the aircraft you just jumped out of, and capturing that on camera is truly special.
“This kind of flight doesn’t happen often, and it’s an honor to share it with such a
talented group of flyers.”
With Jack flying in close formation with the Technoavia SM92 Finist and Andy wearing helmet-mounted cameras, the duo captured stunning images and action footage.
While wingsuits have flown alongside highly loaded parachutes since 2010, only a select few have managed to reunite with the aircraft they departed moments before.
Such events are said to require unique conditions, as most aircraft are unable to maintain the speed and angle necessary to match the descent rate of the skydiver.
However, skydive instructor Andy said for those within the wingsuit community these challenges only “add to the allure and excitement of the sport”.
Jack added: “This achievement is the result of meticulous planning and teamwork between the pilots and the wingsuit flyers.
“It’s not just about the thrill of the jump but also the precision of flying in
formation at those speeds.
“It’s something few have accomplished and we’re proud to be among them.”
The jump took place at Skydive Strefa based around 45 minutes from Gdasnk in northern Poland.
The other fliers were from Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia and the Netherlands.
