Student skydiver sustains leg fracture during landing at Piotrków Trybunalski

Casualties unknown • Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL

A student skydiver suffered a broken fibula after landing with excessive vertical speed during a training jump near Piotrków Trybunalski.

What happened

On July 8, 2017, a student skydiver was performing a training jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters to practice freefall techniques. The jump began normally, and the descent proceeded without incident from the moment the skydiver exited the Spadochron Navigator 220.

As the skydiver approached the landing area at the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) airfield, the final approach was characterized by high forward speed and an increased rate of descent. During the landing sequence, at an altitude of approximately 15 meters, the skydiver failed to fully deploy the landing toggles. The skydiver subsequently impacted the ground with legs spread wide while maintaining an elevated vertical descent rate. This impact resulted in a fracture of the right fibula.

The investigation

The investigation was conducted by the operator. The inquiry focused on the descent profile and the configuration of the parachute during the final moments of the landing. The investigation established that the skydiver's landing posture and the parachute's aerodynamic state contributed to the injury.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by landing with an increased rate of descent while maintaining an improper leg position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-07-08 Navigator 220 accident near Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL?

A student skydiver suffered a broken fibula after landing with excessive vertical speed during a training jump near Piotrków Trybunalski.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-07-08 involved a Navigator 220, at Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by landing with an increased rate of descent while maintaining an improper leg position.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2017-1534/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…