What happened
On September 5, 2015, a skydiver performing their fifth jump of the day exited an SMG-92 Turbofinist aircraft at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Following the deployment of a Magellan 150 parachute, the skydiver noticed that at approximately 900 meters, the canopy had entered a steep right-hand spiral.
In response to the uncontrolled descent, the skydiver executed full emergency procedures. This action resulted in the successful deployment of the reserve parachute, allowing the individual to land safely in the operational area of the Michałków (EPOM) airfield.
The investigation
An investigation conducted by the jump organizer examined the equipment involved in the incident. Upon inspection of the main canopy, investigators discovered that the control line handle had become unlocked, which subsequently caused the right steering line to become unbraked.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the unintended release of the right steering line.
- This release occurred while the skydiver was grasping the suspension lines during the main canopy deployment process.
- The skydiver's emergency response and subsequent actions were determined to be correct.