What happened
On May 20, 2017, a skydiver was performing their second jump of the day at the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) airfield. The jump began normally, with the individual exiting the aircraft at an altitude of 4,000 meters AGL. The descent and canopy flight proceeded without incident until the landing phase.
During the landing rollout, the skydiver encountered a fresh molehill on the landing area. This uneven terrain caused the skydiver to trip and fall. Following the impact, first aid was administered on-site before the individual was transported to a hospital. Medical examinations confirmed fractures of the right tibia and fibula.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the circumstances of the landing and the condition of the landing zone. The inquiry established that the descent from the aircraft was performed correctly and that the injury was a direct result of the terrain encountered during the ground roll.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was landing on uneven terrain (a molehill).
- The skydiver was performing a routine jump (the 1013th of their career) when the unexpected obstacle caused the loss of stability.