What happened
On June 11, 2016, a student parachutist participating in a training jump at the Chrcynno landing field (EPNC) experienced a deployment malfunction. After completing the freefall portion of the jump, the student attempted to deploy the main parachute using the soft deployment handle (pilot chute) located under the container flap. The student reported that the first and subsequent attempts to extract the handle were unsuccessful due to a situation described as a "lost handle."
Unable to locate the deployment mechanism, the student initiated emergency procedures. The student deployed the reserve parachute without first releasing the shoulder straps of the main parachute container. The landing took place on the operational part of the landing field.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted by the training organizer. Upon inspection of the Navigator 240 parachute system, investigators found that the deployment handle was in its proper position and could be easily extracted from the pocket under the flap. The investigation noted that the student, despite having completed 43 previous jumps, could not explain why they were unable to locate the handle during this specific maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to locate the deployment handle for the main parachute, for reasons that remain undetermined.
- The student performed the reserve deployment without unfastening the shoulder straps of the main parachute harness.
Safety action
Following the incident, the training organizer implemented preventive measures to remind participants of the correct procedure for deploying a main parachute via a soft pilot chute. This involves grasping the ball/sleeve at the end of the handle, pulling it from the pocket, extending the arm, and releasing it away from the body in a single, decisive motion. Additionally, it was emphasized that in the event of a "lost handle" scenario, the shoulder straps of the main parachute must be released before deploying the reserve parachute.