What happened
On 18 August 2012, a tandem parachute jump took place near Clonbullogue Airfield in County Offaly, Ireland. The jump involved a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo-Porter, registration EI-IAN, carrying one pilot and nine passengers. After an initial descent via a drogue-chute from 10,000 feet, the main canopy was deployed at approximately 5,500 feet.
Immediately following inflation, the main canopy entered a violent right-hand spiral rotation. The tandem master attempted to execute a standard cut-away procedure to release the malfunctioning main chute, but was unable to activate the release mechanism. In an attempt to deploy the reserve parachute, a complex sequence of events occurred involving the interaction of both canopies. This resulted in both the main and reserve parachutes remaining in a state of partial inflation. The tandem pair subsequently struck a forest clearing, causing two serious injuries to the tandem master and the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the parachute system, the flight history, and the equipment used during the jump. The investigation looked into the mechanics of the tandem deployment system, including the drogue-chute, the Skyhook/RSL system, and the state of the lines and canopy upon impact. Investigators also reviewed the parachute center's administrative records, packing procedures, and the equipment carried by the tandem master.
Findings
- The main canopy experienced a malfunction characterized by a right-side edge abnormality, likely caused by a tension knot forming on the right-side lines.
- The intense centrifugal forces during the spiral rotation likely disoriented the tandem master, preventing the successful activation of the cut-away handle.
- The deployment of the reserve chute while the main canopy was still attached caused the left-side riser to release and subsequently snag on the main canopy's slider.
- This entanglement kept both the main and reserve canopies in a partially inflated state throughout the descent.
- The investigation noted that the tandem master was carrying a redundant, large wrist-mounted camera bracket that could potentially impede movement or snag on equipment.
- Improvements were identified regarding the management of packing procedures, specifically the need to clear twists from steering lines more regularly.
Safety action
Following the investigation, several safety recommendations were made to the parachute center to review packing techniques, equipment maintenance schedules, and the frequency of emergency practice drills. Additionally, a recommendation was made to the IAA to consider guidance regarding the carriage of ancillary equipment during tandem operations.