What happened
On June 11, 2016, a student skydiver was performing their second jump of the day from a Cessna 206 at the Pobiednik Wielki (EPKP) airfield. The jump was conducted with an automatic deployment system. According to the account provided by the instructor, the student exited the aircraft by merely sliding their legs off the step and leaning backward into a rearward-lateral position relative to the direction of flight.
This improper exit posture caused the parachute to begin deploying in an incorrect orientation. During the deployment sequence, unevenly distributed suspension lines led to a partial canopy opening and line twisting. Approximately eight seconds after the initial deployment, the student manually released the main canopy and deployed the reserve parachute. The landing took place within the designated landing zone, and the student sustained no injuries.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the deployment malfunction. The inspection of the parachute equipment following the incident revealed no mechanical damage or defects. The investigation noted that the student had previously practiced correct exit procedures multiple times using both mock-ups and the actual aircraft used for the jump. It was noted that the improper exit technique could have been a result of stress during the jump.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the improper separation from the aircraft.
- The student's backward-leaning exit posture directly caused the asymmetric deployment and line twisting.
- Stress during the jump may have contributed to the deviation from trained exit procedures.
Safety action
Following the incident, the jump organizer reviewed the event with all skydivers. The session focused on reinforcing the necessity of proper aircraft separation techniques and reviewing emergency procedures for students.