Student Skydiver Injured Following Canopy Malfunction at Piotrków Trybunalski

What happened

On July 29, 2017, a student skydiver was performing their 40th jump, the second of the season, from an altitude of 4,200 meters AGL. The jump was part of a training task (RW-2) conducted with an instructor. The descent from the aircraft proceeded normally until the main canopy inflated at approximately 1,100 meters AGL.

Upon inflation, the student experienced a line twist and a slight rotation. After attempting to correct the twist, the rotation persisted, prompting the student to attempt to cut away the main canopy. Following three unsuccessful attempts to actuate the release handle, the student deployed the reserve parachute at an altitude of approximately 500 meters AGL. The reserve canopy opened correctly but entered a "wariat" (unstable/tumbling) configuration, with the leading edge directed toward the ground, alongside the main canopy.

Descending at a speed of approximately 10 m/s, the student did not attempt to cut away the main canopy. The landing occurred at a fuel depot approximately 100 meters from the airfield. The reserve parachute became entangled with the roof of a fuel dispenser, which significantly decelerated the descent. The student struck the concrete near the dispenser with their knees and then the front of their body. Immediate first aid was provided by other skydivers, and the student was transported to the hospital.

The investigation

The investigation examined the sequence of events from the moment of canopy inflation to the impact. The investigation confirmed that the release system functioned correctly, as noted by the individual who assisted the student with the equipment on the ground. The reserve parachute sustained significant damage during the incident.

Findings

• The rotation of the canopy was caused by a line twist (often referred to as a "cauliflower" effect) where the line was thrown over the canopy.
• The student was unable to actuate the release handle because they failed to perform the necessary "break-away" maneuver (deflecting the release pillow by 900 degrees) prior to pulling the handle.