What happened
On July 22, 2017, a skydiver was performing a training jump from an SC-7 Skyvan at an altitude of 4,000 meters AGL. The flight took place near the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) aerodrome with wind speeds of approximately 4 m/s.
Upon reaching an altitude of roughly 1,000 meters, the skydiver deployed the main parachute in a proper body position. However, once the canopy inflated, the skydiver identified a self-tightening knot on the lines on the left side of the canopy. This knot prevented the slider from sliding down the lines, causing the canopy to enter a high-speed rotation.
Following emergency procedures, the skydiver manually released the main canopy and deployed the reserve parachute. The landing occurred outside the airfield boundaries, and the skydiver sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the user/operator, focused on the mechanical failure of the parachute deployment sequence. The investigation established that the primary issue was a physical obstruction within the parachute lines.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a self-tightening knot on the lines which prevented the slider from moving downward as intended.
- The skydiver followed established emergency protocols by deploying the reserve parachute after the malfunction was identified.