On January 5, 2015 Fairall suffered serious spinal injuries in Bischofshofen, during qualification for the final event of the 2014–15 Four Hills Tournament. After landing a seemingly routine jump of 123 meters, he lost balance and suddenly fell violently forward head-first and flipped over. A year later, Fairall returned to Bischofshofen and gave an interview in which he discussed the progress of his recovery and continued love for ski jumping. Despite using a wheelchair, Fairall was present at the event as a keen spectator.