What happened
On July 15, 2017, a skydiving operation was being conducted at the Białyst/Krywlany airport (EPBK). During the mission, the pilot of a PZL-101 Gawron began the approach for landing while the final skydiver was still in the process of exiting the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the communication breakdown between the ground personnel and the flight crew. The inquiry established that the jumpmaster (kierownik skoków) failed to maintain active correspondence with the pilot regarding the status of the jumpers on the ground. Following the incident, the investigating entity conducted a review involving the jumpmaster, the skydivers, and the pilot. The investigation also led to a meeting organized by the PKBWL at the Białystok Aero Club, which included the towing pilot and the parachute instructor, to review landing procedures for both aircraft and gliders.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the landing approach initiated prior to the exit of the last skydiver.
- A contributing factor was the lack of communication between the jumpmaster and the pilot of the aircraft performing the jumps.