What happened
On May 16, 2015, a student skydiver was performing their first-ever jump as part of a training exercise at Krosno Airport (EPKR). The jump was conducted using a Falcon 265 parachute, deployed from an AN-2 aircraft at an altitude of 1,000 m AGL. The student was equipped with a radio for one-way communication from the instructor.
During the descent, the student successfully executed various maneuvers, including turns and straight flight, following instructor commands via radio. At approximately 150 m AGL, the student established a landing approach into the wind. While the approach was initially stable, at an altitude of roughly 10–15 m, the student performed a sudden and deep pull on the steering toggles toward the hips, prior to receiving the instructor's command to flare. This action caused the parachute canopy to stall. The resulting loss of lift led to a hard impact with the ground, with the student striking the earth first with their feet and then with the left side of their hip.
The investigation
The investigation examined the student's technique, the physical characteristics of the jumper, and the equipment specifications. The student, a tall and well-built male weighing between 90–95 kg, had a significant arm span. The investigation noted that the total weight of the student and the equipment was very close to the maximum recommended weight of 117 kg for the Falcon 265 canopy. An inspection of the parachute gear by a mechanic confirmed that the lines and canopy material were in proper condition.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a landing technique error, specifically the sudden and deep pulling of the steering toggles, which induced a stall at a critically low altitude.
- A contributing factor was the relatively high wing loading (estimated at 0.9 lb/sq ft) for the student's profile.
- The student's long arm span and the intensity of the toggle pull exacerbated the stall effect.
Safety action
Following the incident, the training organizer conducted a briefing for all students to review the event and provide specific instructions on proper landing maneuvers and flaring techniques at 3–4 m above the ground. Additionally, a new policy was implemented stating that tall students with long arm spans will be assigned parachutes with a wing loading not exceeding 0.8 lb/sq ft to prevent similar occurrences.