What happened
On November 4, 2017, a parachutist performing their 740th jump exited an Stealth B 120 parachute at an altitude of 3,500 m. The deployment of the parachute at 1,000 m proceeded without incident. The jumper began performing maneuvers to build a round canopy at an altitude of 200 m within a designated landing area for high-speed parachutes at Depułtycze Królewskie (EPCD).
After completing maneuvers and establishing a straight, upwind approach at approximately 5 m altitude, the jumper shifted their body weight forward by pressing against the chest strap, which leveled the canopy. However, at an altitude of approximately 2 m, the jumper shifted their weight backward under the canopy. This maneuver caused the parachute to lose lift and pressure within the cells. As the jumper attempted to flare the parachute for landing, the canopy failed to respond, resulting in a hard landing on both legs with a slide. The impact caused the jumper to strike their coccyx and fall onto their side.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the user, focused on the sequence of maneuvers during the final approach to the ground. The investigation established the exact altitude and body positioning changes that led to the loss of canopy lift and the subsequent impact.