What happened
On July 12, 2015, a student skydiver with 41 previous jumps performed a jump from an altitude of 3,200 meters. The descent proceeded without incident until the final approach to the EPRU landing field in Rudniki. While the initial approach to the landing was executed correctly, the individual failed to perform the necessary flare maneuver before touchdown.
During the final straight of the landing approach, the skydiver attempted to adjust their flight path. In an effort to verify that the parachute was flying directly into the wind, the individual looked toward the windsock. This diversion of attention resulted in the failure to level the parachute's flight path prior to impact.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the training organizer, examined the sequence of events leading to the impact. The inquiry focused on the skydiver's actions during the landing phase and the decision to check the wind direction via the windsock while on the landing trajectory.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an improper distribution of attention during the landing phase.
- The skydiver's decision to look at the windsock caused a failure to properly flare the Navigator 260 parachute before hitting the ground.
- The incident resulted in minor injuries to the skydiver.