What happened
On June 11, 2016, a skydiver with 2,044 previous jumps was performing a camera-work mission from an SMG-92 aircraft. The jump originated from an altitude of 4,000 meters over the Michałków (EPOM) airfield. The descent proceeded normally until the deployment phase of the main parachute.
During the opening process, the skydiver observed that the canopy was taking an extended period to inflate and noted that the slider had become stuck under the canopy. After several unsuccessful attempts to rectify the deployment issue, the skydiver initiated the full emergency procedure at an altitude of approximately 600 meters. The reserve parachute deployed correctly, allowing the skydiver to land safely in the designated landing zone.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the jump organizer, included an examination of the detached main canopy and a review of the skydiver's account of the event. The investigation focused on determining why the deployment process was interrupted.
Findings
- The investigation could not establish the cause of the malfunction during the main parachute deployment.
- The skydiver's actions during the emergency were deemed appropriate and were reviewed during a briefing held during a break in the jumping session.