What happened
On August 8, 2015, a student skydiver participating in a training session at the Kazimierz Biskupi airfield (EPKB) experienced an incident involving a Navigator 260 parachute. The student, who had completed eight previous jumps, exited the aircraft and underwent a standard freefall. Upon the deployment of the main parachute, the canopy inflated correctly; however, the student reported being unable to release the left steering toggle. While the right toggle was released successfully, the asymmetric deployment caused the parachute to enter an intensifying spiral descent.
In response to the uncontrolled rotation, the student executed emergency procedures by cutting away the main canopy and deploying the reserve parachute. The student landed safely at the airfield without injury.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the training organizer, included a physical examination of the main parachute canopy. The inspection focused on the left steering line to determine if any mechanical obstruction or improper braking had prevented the release of the toggle. The examination revealed no errors in the braking of the left steering line and confirmed that releasing the line did not present any technical difficulties.
Findings
- The investigation could not establish a specific cause for the inability to release the left steering toggle.
- The asymmetric release of the steering toggles was the primary factor leading to the uncontrolled rotation of the canopy.
Safety action
Following the incident, the training organizer conducted a debriefing with the student skydiver. This session included a review of the event and a refresher on the correct procedures for releasing steering toggles.