Fatal Skydiver Accident at Piotrków Trybunalski Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL

A skydiver sustained serious injuries following an uncontrolled descent during landing at EPPT aerodrome on July 12, 2015.

What happened

On July 12, 2015, a skydiver with 1,553 previous jumps performed their first jump of the day from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The jump was part of a scheduled RW-3 task. At approximately 1,000 meters, the main parachute was deployed successfully. The descent concluded with a landing outside the perimeter of the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) aerodrome.

During the final stages of the landing sequence, at an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the skydiver was holding the rear risers while simultaneously gripping the steering toggles. As the altitude decreased to roughly 15 meters, the skydiver released the rear risers. At that precise moment, the left steering toggle slipped from the skydiver's hand. This loss of control caused the parachute to turn sharply, resulting in a ground impact that caused serious injuries to the skydiver.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers performed by the skydiver during the final 50 meters of the descent and the mechanical/manual handling of the parachute controls during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the unintentional release of a steering toggle during the final phase of landing, leading to an uncontrolled turn and impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-12 Katana 120 accident near Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL?

A skydiver sustained serious injuries following an uncontrolled descent during landing at EPPT aerodrome on July 12, 2015.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-12 involved a Katana 120, at Piotrków Trybunalskich (EPPT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the unintentional release of a steering toggle during the final phase of landing, leading to an uncontrolled turn and impact.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1320/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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