What happened
On September 23, 2017, a skydiver was performing a specialized "tandem camera" jump. At an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, the skydiver deployed the main parachute, a Sensei 91. Upon deployment, the parachute experienced a "twist" malfunction, resulting in the canopy entering deep, uncontrolled rotations.
After determining that the rotation could not be corrected through standard maneuvers, the skydiver initiated emergency procedures. This involved cutting away the main canopy and deploying the reserve parachute. The skydiver subsequently landed on a functional area of the landing field.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the parachute deployment and the cause of the canopy instability. Investigators examined the state of the lines and tapes following the malfunction to identify any structural or procedural failures.
Findings
- The investigation could not identify a specific cause for the twisting of the lines and suspension tapes during the deployment process.
- An asymmetrical body position during the inflation of the canopy was identified as a potential contributing factor to the malfunction.