What happened
On May 27, 2017, during a skydiving session at Bydgoszcz (EPBY), a skydiver experienced a malfunction while performing her 91st jump of the season. Upon deploying the main canopy of a Mars 291 parachute at approximately 800 meters AGL, the skydiver observed that the lines were twisted and the outer cells of the canopy were only partially inflated.
At an altitude of roughly 600 meters, the skydiver attempted to rectify the situation by pumping the control lines to encourage full inflation of the cells. When these corrective maneuvers failed to stabilize the canopy, the skydist decided to cut away the main canopy and deploy the reserve parachute. The skydiver landed safely at the airfield. The malfunctioning main canopy drifted and landed approximately 40 meters from a Mi-17 helicopter that was operating with its rotors turning.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the user, examined the deployment sequence and the condition of the equipment. The investigation focused on the mechanics of the canopy deployment and the subsequent actions taken by the skydiver to manage the malfunction.
Findings
- The probable cause of the incident was the rotation of the main canopy as it exited the deployment bag, which resulted in twisted lines and an extended deployment process.
- The skydiver's emergency procedures and decision-making were evaluated as correct.