Main parachute malfunction during skydive near Piotrków Trybunalski

Casualties unknown • Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL

An experienced skydiver experienced a main parachute malfunction involving line twists during a jump near Piotrków Trybunalski in June 2018.

What happened

On June 17, 2018, an experienced skydiver, who had completed 6,270 total jumps including 37 jumps during the current year, performed a jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The initial exit from the aircraft and the period of freefall proceeded without incident.

Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, the skydiver initiated the deployment of the main parachute. During this deployment process, the lines of the Crossfire 139 parachute became twisted, causing the canopy to enter a spinning motion. To rectify the situation, the skydiver manually released the main canopy and deployed the reserve parachute. The descent concluded with a landing in the vicinity of the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) airfield, and the skydiver sustained no injuries.

The investigation

The investigation was conducted by the user/operator. The inquiry focused on the deployment sequence of the main parachute and the mechanical behavior of the lines during the opening process.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was the twisting of the main parachute lines during the deployment phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-06-17 Crossfire 139 accident near Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL?

An experienced skydiver experienced a main parachute malfunction involving line twists during a jump near Piotrków Trybunalski in June 2018.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-06-17 involved a Crossfire 139, operated by Skoczek spadochronowy, at Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was the twisting of the main parachute lines during the deployment phase.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2018-1632/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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