The death of a talented RAF instructor who died when her parachute reportedly failed to open during a free-fall jump is being investigated, police have confirmed.
Thames Valley Police are to probe the Royal Air Force on suspicion of corporate manslaughter after the death of Sergeant Rachel Fisk.
The 32-year-old jumped out of a plane that was flying at 12,000ft above RAF Weston-on-the-Green when her canopy reportedly failed to open.
A coroner said that the servicewoman, who was a veteran jumper, had been found unresponsive on the ground in Simms Farm, Chesterton, Oxon.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics from the air ambulance, Sgt Fisk, who had joined the RAF in 2011, was declared dead at the scene on September 2 last year.
According to MailOnline, sources have said there may have been issues with Ms Fisk's Automatic Activation Device (AAD) during a training assignment, rather than a military exercise.
This is supposed to ensure a parachute opens once the jumper reaches a low altitude.
During a hearing at Oxfordshire Coroners' Court on Wednesday, it was revealed that a post-mortem examination on Sgt Fisk's body had concluded that she had died from multiple injuries.
As her parents, Fiona and Bill, listened on, Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter ruled that the full inquest hearing would have to be delayed until the police and Health and Safety Executives investigation had concluded.
Detective Inspector Mike Roddy told the inquest in Oxford: "In line with normal work-related death practices, Thames Valley Police are leading a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive.
"An incident room led by a senior investigating officer continues to investigate corporate manslaughter, gross misconduct manslaughter and serious offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
"We are examining the equipment used by Sgt. Fisk at the time and samples of parachutes used by staff and students."
Police confirmed that they had already met with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to examine what charges might be appropriate, although they would not confirm when their investigation would conclude.
The inquest also heard that a separate investigation was being carried out by the independent Defence Safety Authority, who will look to see what went wrong and how the armed forces could learn from Sgt Fisk's death.
The inquiry, which will be led by three senior officers from across the armed forces, was expected to report this summer, after consultation with Sgt Fisk's family.
The coroner, who asked to be kept updated on the progress of all the investigations, confirmed that he would consider writing a Prevention of Future Death report after the completion of the inquest, which is expected to be held early next year.
At the time of her death, Sgt Fisk's family said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of our dear daughter, Rachel. She lived her life with joy and thoughtfulness for others and loved the career she had chosen. Rachel will be missed by so many."
A spokesman for the RAF said: "Rachel was a selfless individual, who was eager to volunteer and reassure those around her.
"She naturally loved her career and not only worked with professionalism and diligence, but also fun and enthusiasm spurred by her passion for what she did
"Rachel was a valued member of the team she worked with and esteemed by those she trained. Not only was Rachel known for her infectious smile and bubbly personality, but she could also make a cracking cup of tea.
"She will be deeply missed by her RAF Colleagues, and following are some heartfelt tributes from those who had the pleasure of working with Rachel."
Flight Lieutenant Nathan Ellis, commanding officer at the Joint Service Parachute Centre, said: "Rachel brought life, enjoyment and fun to all - her love for the job was infectious and she created a bond with everyone she worked with.
"She was a natural and conscientious instructor and a role model for her students."
Paying tribute, Sqn Ldr Helen Simpson added: "Rachel never failed to impress with her skydiving ability and it was very clear she would go far - but it is her personality, her humour and her huge heart that will be sorely missed by all of us at Weston-on-the-Green."
