What happened
On May 19, 2018, a student skydiver was performing their first jump as part of a training mission involving an automatic deployment parachute. The student successfully exited the aircraft and followed instructor guidelines while flying the open canopy.
As the student approached the landing area near the Gliwice (EPGL) airfield, they attempted to land at an altitude of approximately 100 meters. To facilitate the landing, the student positioned the parachute to land with the wind. This maneuver caused the parachute to drift outside the designated landing zone. During the descent, the control lines became entangled with a tree, which disrupted the stability and control of the parachute. Upon impact with the ground, the student attempted to break the fall by bracing with their hands, resulting in injuries to the wrist joints of both arms.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the landing execution. The inquiry established that the student followed the correct procedures for exiting the aircraft and managing the canopy during the initial descent, but failed to maintain the landing within the prescribed airfield boundaries.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was landing with the wind outside the designated landing area.
- The entanglement of the control lines with a tree was a direct consequence of the off-course landing trajectory.
- The physical injuries were caused by the student's attempt to support their weight with their hands during the landing.