What happened
On May 23, 2015, a student skydiver was performing their first-ever jump, an AFF-1 task, from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The jump was conducted using a Navigator 260 parachute under the supervision of SKY CAMP. The descent proceeded normally until the landing phase. The landing was attempted into a light headwind of approximately 0 to 2 m/s. During the approach, the student began pulling the steering lines but failed to pull them fully. Just before contact with the ground, the student pulled their legs sharply toward their chest. Upon landing, the student sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the student's actions during the final stages of the descent and the communication between the student and the instructor. It was noted that the student could not explain why they failed to follow the instructor's radio instructions regarding the full deployment of the steering lines despite receiving direct commands.
Findings
- The student failed to sufficiently pull the steering lines to decelerate the forward speed of the parachute under the prevailing atmospheric conditions.
- The student adopted an incorrect body position during the landing sequence.