What happened
On August 17, 2017, a student skydiver participating in their first Accelerated Freefall (AFF-1) training jump experienced an incident near the Szymanów aerodrome (EPWS). During the descent, the student exhibited improper body positioning, maintaining an incorrect posture by pushing their hips upward rather than downward. The student also failed to execute a simulated deployment exercise correctly and did not maintain proper altitude control.
Following the deployment of the main parachute by the instructor, the student lost directional orientation. Instead of heading toward the landing zone, the student drifted in the opposite direction. Despite receiving radio commands via a chest-mounted device, the student did not respond to instructions. Upon realizing they were far from the airfield, the student attempted an emergency landing in a nearby ploughed field.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, examined the student's flight maneuvers, the instructor's deployment of the parachute, and the circumstances of the landing. The inquiry focused on the student's lack of response to radio commands and the physical mechanics of the landing impact.
Findings
- The student landed with their legs spread apart.
- The primary cause of the injury was landing with legs spread.
- The student sustained a sprain and a partial tear of the left ankle joint.
Safety action
Following the incident, the instructor conducted a formal review of the event and organized a meeting with other students to discuss the causes and consequences of the accident.