What happened
On May 31, 2015, a student skydiver was performing their first-ever jump as part of an AFF-1 training program at the Kazimierz Biskupi airfield (EPKB). The jump was conducted using a Voyager 260 parachute under the supervision of an instructor. During the descent with an open canopy, the instructor provided various maneuvering commands to the student.
As the parachute approached the landing area at an altitude of approximately 10 meters, the canopy experienced a sudden forward surge caused by thermal turbulence. In response to this movement, the instructor instructed the student not to pull the control lines immediately. However, the student failed to execute the subsequent command to pull the lines. Consequently, the student landed without adopting the proper landing body position, resulting in fatal and serious injuries.
The investigation
Following the accident, the investigation focused on the sequence of commands and the student's response. The student later stated that they did not hear the instructor's command to pull the lines and noted an inability to correctly estimate the altitude at which the maneuver should have been performed.
Findings
- The parachute flight was not leveled prior to landing.
- The student failed to adopt the correct body posture for a safe landing.