What happened
On July 22, 2017, during an AFF-1/II-1 training mission, a student skydiver performed a jump near the Chrcynno aerodrome (EPNC). The student successfully deployed the main canopy of a Navigator 260 parachute at an altitude of approximately 1,550 meters, and the canopy inflated correctly.
Shortly after the main canopy was fully functional, the student disconnected the main canopy and proceeded to deploy the reserve parachute. The student landed on the operational part of the airfield without sustaining any injuries.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted by the operator to examine the sequence of events and the equipment involved. An inspection of the Navigator 260 main canopy revealed no technical malfunctions or irregularities. The inspection confirmed that the steering toggles were released and the control lines were unobstructed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the reserve parachute deployment was identified as student stress.
- The equipment was found to be in proper technical condition.