Fatal Parachute Landing Accident at Kazimierz Biskupi

Casualties unknown • Kazimierz Buskupi (EPKB), PL

A highly experienced skydiver sustained fatal injuries following a parachute malfunction during landing maneuvers at EPKB airfield.

What happened

On June 14, 2015, a skydiving accident occurred at the Kazimierz Biskulp (EPKB) airfield. The individual, an experienced skydiver with 2,650 jumps, was performing a jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The descent proceeded normally until the landing approach.

To prepare for landing, the skydiver initiated a standard maneuver by pulling the front toggles to execute a 450-degree spiral. This maneuver was started at the usual altitude. However, after straightening the flight path and moving hands to the rear toggles, one of the toggles slipped from the skydiver's grip. In an attempt to regain control of the slipping toggle, there was a delay in the deployment of the steering lines. Consequently, the parachute was not properly leveled for touchdown. The skydiver struck the ground with significant force, bounced, and landed a second time, resulting in fatal injuries.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the final approach to the landing zone. The inquiry examined the skydiver's handling of the parachute toggles and the timing of the steering inputs during the transition from the spiral maneuver to the straight flight path.

Probable cause

The loss of control of a rear toggle during the landing approach and the subsequent delay in corrective steering inputs led to an unlevel parachute descent and a high-impact landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-06-14 Extreme VX 79 accident near Kazimierz Buskupi (EPKB), PL?

A highly experienced skydiver sustained fatal injuries following a parachute malfunction during landing maneuvers at EPKB airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-06-14 involved a Extreme VX 79, at Kazimierz Buskupi (EPKB), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control of a rear toggle during the landing approach and the subsequent delay in corrective steering inputs led to an unlevel parachute descent and a high-impact landing.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1105/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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