What happened
On June 6, 2015, a skydiver performing a solo jump experienced a fatal accident at the EPPZ landing field in Przasnysz. The individual, an experienced jumper with 101 previous jumps, was executing a landing pattern when they drifted to the leeward side of the airfield. As the jumper attempted to straighten out for the final approach, they realized that their altitude and distance from the usable landing area were insufficient to reach the designated zone.
During the final moments before touchdown, the parachute snagged on barbed wire stretched between two concrete fence posts. The impact caused the skydiver to fall onto the ground immediately behind the airfield perimeter, resulting in fatal injuries. The jumper had originally intended to land near the parachute packing area located near the edge of the field.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path and the environmental conditions present during the landing sequence. It was established that the terrain between the jumper's position and the airfield was uneven and covered with debris. The investigation also reviewed the jumper's decision-making process regarding the landing pattern and the assessment of wind conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect assessment of wind speed while establishing the landing pattern.
- The jumper failed to properly account for wind velocity and the potential for thermal gusts, which caused the parachute to drift too far to the leeward side of the airfield.
- The jumper's attempt to land near the packing area suggests a desire to minimize walking distance after landing, which influenced the decision to attempt a landing despite the unfavorable drift.