What happened
On August 20, 2017, a student skydiver was performing a training jump, specifically a simulated landing on a rope (SL-1), near the Piła airport (EPPI). The jump was conducted using a Drakkar 290 parachute from a Cessna 182 aircraft.
During the exit at an altitude of 1,000 meters, the skydiver performed an improper rotation around their axis. This movement caused the suspension lines and webbing to become partially trapped under the parachute container and under the skydiver's arm. While the parachute deployed and inflated correctly, the initial entanglement caused the canopy to become deformed and enter a continuous right-hand spin. The skydiver did not execute emergency procedures while the parachute was in this unstable configuration, resulting in a landing into trees located at the edge of the airfield. The skydiver was transported to a hospital, where they were treated for a concussion and rib injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the exit and the subsequent behavior of the parachute canopy. The inquiry established that the physical configuration of the parachute was a direct result of the skydiver's movement during the separation from the aircraft. The investigation also examined the skydiver's response to the malfunctioning canopy descent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an error in jump technique, specifically an improper separation from the aircraft.
- The skydiver failed to initiate necessary emergency procedures following the deployment of the deformed canopy.