SKY FALL

Jordan Hatmaker, 35, was terrified when her parachute broke in mid-air...

- EMMA DUNN AND HANNAH CROCKER

Stepping up to the plane door, I felt a gust of wind smack me in the face.

I was a whopping S 13,500ft in the air.

Taking a deep breath, I squeezed my eyes tight, leaned forward and jumped.

My stomach dropped as I plummeted to the ground.

As air whooshed around me, I opened my eyes.

The view was incredible.

This is like flying, I thought as I soared, completely in awe.

I could see for miles, and as adrenaline pumped through me, I pulled my parachute and floated back to earth.

'I can't believe I did it!' I said to my instructor, as my feet landed on solid ground.

I got the bug, and from that first jump, I was hooked.

Between 2015 and 2020, I did five tandem skydives - each one was better than the last.

I was just completely addicted to thrill-seeking.

'Why don't you get your

friend Carlye, licence?' my who was an experienced skydiver, suggested.

It would mean I could skydive without supervision.

'Why not?' I said.

I started training, and with each jump I practiced a new skill-like plane exits, safety drills and moves in the sky.

I was halfway through my training in November last year, when I woke up one Sunday morning and looked out of the window.

It was clear, sunny and not too windy.

Perfect day to skydive, I thought to myself.

I'm going to the hangar,' I told my brother Chase, 33, who lived with me.

I'll come and watch,' he said.

I'll bring the dogs, too.' I had two little cockapoos called Jax and Ella.

When we got there, I got into the queue behind the other divers, and Chase went to walk the pups around.

But then he stopped.

 I've got a really bad feeling about today,' he said. I don't think you should jump.' 'Why?' I asked.

"There's just a really bad vibe in here,' he said.

OK,' I laughed. Don't be so paranoid.' After a while, the dogs got bored and Chase left.