What happened
On August 1, 2015, a student skydiver with 31 previous jumps was performing a jump from an altitude of 3,000 meters near the Masłów (EPKA) airfield. The jump was part of a training session organized by the Aeroklub Kielecki. During the freefall phase, the student successfully performed two correct tracking maneuvers with delays exceeding 30 seconds.
Upon reaching an altitude of 1,500 meters, the student attempted to deploy the main parachute. During this process, the student failed to use their left hand to provide a stabilizing support while reaching for the pilot chute handle. This lack of stabilization caused the student to enter an intensifying rightward rotation. After two unsuccessful attempts to locate the pilot chute while spinning, the student was unable to stop the rotation and initiated emergency procedures by deploying the reserve parachute. The landing was completed on the operational area of the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation, overseen by the PKBWL, focused on the sequence of events during the deployment phase and the student's physical maneuvers. The inquiry examined the student's body position and the mechanics of the deployment attempt to determine why the rotation became uncontrollable.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the adoption of an incorrect body position during the deployment of the main parachute.
- The lack of synchronized stabilization with the left arm led to the onset of uncontrolled rotation.
Safety action
Following the incident, the training organizer implemented additional training for the student. This instruction focused on maintaining the correct body posture during main parachute deployment and mastering techniques to manage and stop body rotations.