What happened
On May 13, 2017, a student skydiver was performing their first jump as part of a training task (SL1) near the Elbląg (EPEL) airfield. The sequence of events from the moment of separation from the aircraft through the descent was executed correctly. The skydiver completed a proper round and approached the landing area into the wind.
However, during the final phase of the descent, the student failed to flare the parachute. As a result, the skydiver struck the ground near the takeoff area at an increased velocity with their legs positioned too high. The impact resulted in a fractured lumbar vertebra.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the landing technique and the sequence of the descent. Medical records confirmed that the student was transported to a hospital via ambulance, where the vertebral fracture was diagnosed.
Findings
The investigation established that the accident was caused by errors in jumping technique, specifically the failure to flare the parachute during the final stage of flight and maintaining an incorrect landing posture characterized by excessively raised legs.