What happened
On June 6, 2015, a skydiver with experience of 383 jumps performed a descent from an altitude of 3,000 m. The jump proceeded normally until the skydiver reached an altitude of approximately 1,100 m, at which point they attempted to reach for the deployment handle (pilot chute) but found it inaccessible. After two unsuccessful attempts to grasp the handle, the skydiver deployed the reserve parachute. The reserve canopy fully inflated at approximately 600 m, and the skydiver landed safely at the EPKA airfield in Masłów.
Prior to the jump, the skydiver and an instructor had adjusted the training-version harness to ensure the container sat flush against the skydiver's back. The skydiver also performed a self-check to practice reaching for the handle.
The investigation
The investigation examined the equipment and the physical circumstances of the jump. During the inspection of the Navigator 200 parachute, it was noted that the material of the pilot chute handle protruded 7–8 cm from its pocket. The investigation considered the physical build of the skydiver, noting they were well-built and muscular, which may have contributed to a limited reach when the torso was significantly arched during freefall.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the inadequate pre-jump verification of the ability to reach the main parachute deployment handle.
- The physical positioning of the body during freefall, combined with the skydiver's physical build, hindered the ability to grasp the handle.
- The deployment handle was protruding from its pocket by approximately 7–8 cm.