What happened
On June 6, 2015, a skydiving accident occurred at the Elbląg airport (EPEL). The skydiver, who had completed 72 previous jumps, performed a jump from an altitude of 3,700 meters as part of a scheduled RW-5 task. The descent proceeded according to plan until the final approach to the landing zone. During the landing phase, the skydiver executed a turn at an insufficient altitude, resulting in a high-speed impact with the ground. The landing took place within the designated landing area of the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the jump organizer, focused on the sequence of the final approach and the maneuvers performed prior to impact. The inquiry established that the skydiver suffered fatal injuries as a result of the high-velocity impact caused by the low-altitude maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was performing a landing maneuver at too low an altitude or utilizing incorrect landing techniques.
- The skydiver failed to maintain adequate control over altitude and distance relative to the intended landing point during the final turn.