What happened
On August 13, 2017, a student skydiver was performing an AFF-2 training jump from a SC-7 Skyvan at an altitude of 4,200 m AGL. The jump was conducted with an instructor under wind conditions of approximately 4 m/s. While the initial descent proceeded normally, the student attempted to flare the parachute canopy at an altitude of approximately 10–15 meters above the ground.
During this maneuver, the student pulled the control lines too high and asymmetrically. This error resulted in a landing with an increased vertical descent rate, causing the student to strike a set of spread legs on the ground with a slight slide to the right. The student was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where medical staff confirmed a dislocation of the ankle and fractures to the malleoli of the right lower leg.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the sequence of the landing maneuver and the physical impact of the descent. The inquiry established that the student was in the early stages of training, having completed only two previous jumps prior to this session.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the asymmetrical and excessively high deployment of the control lines during the landing flare.
- This maneuver led to an uncontrolled vertical descent rate upon impact with the ground.
Safety action
Following the accident, the operator reviewed the incident with all skydivers present at the start of the day's operations. Additionally, the operator implemented supplementary training sessions focused specifically on landing techniques for student skydivers.