What part of the landing pattern is most dangerous to skydivers?

The intersection of the base and final approach legs is considered the most dangerous part of the landing pattern because it is a critical point where multiple factors converge that can lead to potential hazards. During this phase of the landing approach, skydivers transition from a horizontal approach (base leg) to the vertical descent (final approach leg). The challenge here involves managing both vertical and horizontal speeds.

This intersection is often where skydivers may have less situational awareness due to rapidly changing conditions and increased complexity in trajectory management, particularly if there are multiple skydivers in the air at that moment. Misjudgments in this area can lead to collisions, off-target landings, or difficulties in executing a controlled landing.

While the other parts of the landing pattern are important to understand and can also present risks, they typically do not involve the same converging speeds and potential for conflict that occurs at the intersection of the base and final approach legs. The increased traffic density and the need for precise maneuvering make this intersection uniquely hazardous for skydivers.