What happened
On July 26, 2016, a 51-year-old skydiver with over 1,500 jumps performed his first jump of the day from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The jump began without incident, and the pilot successfully deployed a Nitron 150 (Precision Aerodynamics) parachute. The descent proceeded as planned until the final approach phase.
During the flight under the open canopy, the skydiver failed to account for increasing wind speed and a change in wind direction. This error resulted in an improper landing plan, forcing the skydiver to land outside the designated safe landing zone. During the final turn, the skydiver entered a stall area. As the skydiver attempted to correct the approach, the increased rate of descent and forward speed caused the skydiver to strike an obstacle—a protruding tree stump—upon landing. The impact resulted in an open fracture of the right tibia and fibula.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events following the landing in Jastarnia. The inquiry focused on the skydiver's flight path under the canopy, the atmospheric conditions presented during the pre-jump briefing, and the specific mechanics of the landing error. The investigation established that the skydiver had been briefed on current and forecasted weather conditions prior to the jump operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an error in the tactical planning and execution of the canopy flight, which led to an undershoot and landing outside the intended area.
- The skydiver did not adjust for the increasing wind speed and shifting wind direction during the descent.
- The landing occurred in an unsafe area due to the failure to properly plan the approach.
- The presence of a protruding tree stump at the landing site contributed to the severity of the leg injuries.