What happened
On May 16, 2015, a student parachutist was performing their first-ever jump, specifically the AFF-1 task, at the Nowy Targ (EPNT) aerodrome. The weather conditions at the time featured ground winds of approximately 2–3 m/s. While the descent toward the landing zone was initially executed correctly, the landing phase went wrong. Despite receiving radio instructions from an instructor, the student failed to pull the control lines in a timely manner and positioned their legs horizontally. This resulted in a landing with excessive vertical and horizontal velocity while in a seated posture, leading to serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the training organizer, focused on the student's maneuvers during the final approach to the ground. The inquiry established that the student did not follow the instructor's radio commands regarding the timing of the control line pull and the necessary body positioning for a safe touchdown.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the delayed pulling of the control lines, which prevented the parachute from being properly leveled before impact.
- The student adopted an incorrect body posture (horizontal leg position) during the landing sequence.