What happened
On May 31, 2015, a tandem skydiver, highly experienced with nearly 3,000 jumps and holding relevant qualifications, performed a jump with a passenger from an altitude of 3,000 meters. The separation from the aircraft and the deployment of the drogue parachute were completed without issue.
At approximately 1,800 meters, the skydiver initiated the deployment of the main parachute. During the inflation process, the lines became twisted. After unsuccessful attempts to untwist the lines, the skydiver followed emergency procedures by cutting away the main canopy and deploying the reserve parachute. The landing was successfully completed at the EPKP airfield in Pobiednik Wielki, within the pre-planned landing zone.
The investigation
The investigation examined video footage recorded by the skydiver during the jump. While the footage captured parts of the deployment process, the analysis of the recording was unable to identify the specific cause of the line twisting.
Findings
- The skydiver's decision to jettison the main canopy and deploy the reserve parachute was consistent with established emergency procedures.
- The specific cause of the line twisting during the main canopy inflation could not be determined.