Aussie parachutist dies after mid-air tangle

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A man fell to his death and another suffered serious injuries after their parachutes became entangled mid-air during a group jump east of Melbourne.

Six parachutists from the Commando Skydivers left the Tooradin airfield in Gippsland about 9am (11am NZT) for the first parachute jump of the day.

Victoria Police said it appeared two parachutes became entangled shortly before they landed, causing them to crash to the ground.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman Ray Rowe said bystanders began CPR on one man in his 40s until paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.

He said the second parachutist involved in the incident, a 23-year-old Rosebud man, crashed to the ground and suffered lower leg injuries, possible pelvic injuries and cuts to his upper body.

He was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Commando Skydivers spokesman Andy Mulholland said club members were shocked at the loss.

"Unfortunately two male parachutists, one in his early 40s and one in his early 20s, were involved in a mid-air canopy collision," he said in a statement.

"Like most other adventure sports we are aware that parachuting is potentially dangerous, however our club members are shocked at the loss."

Mr Mulholland said the Australian Parachute Federation and Victoria Police had launched investigations into the incident.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

- AAP