Unintentional Reserve Parachute Deployment During Skydive at Piotrków Trybunalski

Casualties unknown • Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL

A skydiver experienced an unintended reserve parachute deployment at approximately 1,000 meters altitude due to accidental contact with the RSL system.

What happened

On June 13, 2015, a skydiver with a 'B' qualification level was performing a jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters at the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) airfield. The individual was executing a specific RW-2 task during the descent.

At an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, the skydiver initiated the deployment of the main parachute. During the opening sequence, the skydiver reached for the risers. In doing so, the skydiver's thumb accidentally caught the Reserve Static Line (RSL) system. This contact triggered the deployment of the reserve parachute. Both the main and reserve parachutes deployed correctly, and the skydiver landed safely without injury.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the parachute deployment process and the physical interaction between the skydiver and the equipment. The investigation examined the mechanics of the RSL activation and the skydiver's actions regarding the risers during the opening phase.

Probable cause

The cause of the incident was the accidental initiation of the reserve parachute deployment caused by the skydiver's thumb catching the RSL system while reaching for the risers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-06-13 Pilot 188 accident near Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL?

A skydiver experienced an unintended reserve parachute deployment at approximately 1,000 meters altitude due to accidental contact with the RSL system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-06-13 involved a Pilot 188, at Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the incident was the accidental initiation of the reserve parachute deployment caused by the skydiver's thumb catching the RSL system while reaching for the risers.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1005/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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