What happened
On May 6, 2018, a student skydiver was performing their 688th jump using a Voyager 280 parachute system equipped with a soft-pull deployment mechanism. After exiting an An-2 aircraft at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, the skydiver attempted to deploy the main canopy by pulling the deployment handle from the container pocket. However, the skydiver likely failed to release the handle from their hand after pulling it.
Due to the main parachute failing to inflate, the skydiver initiated emergency procedures and deployed the reserve parachute. During the deployment of the reserve, the main canopy became released from the skydiver and drifted away from the airfield without colliding with the person. The skydiver landed on the airfield apron under the reserve canopy without injuries.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, examined the parachute equipment and the sequence of deployment. An inspection of the parachute rig revealed that the Automatic Activation Device (AAD) was properly functioning and had not been worn out.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the skydiver did not release the deployment handle after pulling it.
- A contributing factor was that the skist skydiver had not previously performed jumps using this specific deployment system.