Student skydiver injured during first tandem jump in Gliwice

Casualties unknown • Gliwice (EPGL), PL

A student skydiver sustained a broken bone after failing to steer their parachute toward the designated landing zone during a first-time jump.

What happened

On June 16, 2018, a student skydiver was performing their first-ever jump using a Commodore parachute at the Gliwice (EPGL) airfield. The jump was conducted as a single-line (SL-1) maneuver. While the initial deployment and the flight under the open canopy proceeded without incident, the skydiver failed to steer the parachute back toward the airfield in a timely manner. This delay resulted in the skydiver landing in an allotment garden area located west of the airfield.

Following the landing, emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene. The student was transported to a hospital, where medical staff confirmed a fracture of the left heel bone.

Probable cause

The student's failure to properly steer the parachute toward the landing zone in a timely manner.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-06-16 Commodore 250 accident near Gliwice (EPGL), PL?

A student skydiver sustained a broken bone after failing to steer their parachute toward the designated landing zone during a first-time jump.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-06-16 involved a Commodore 250, operated by Skoczek spadochronowy, at Gliwice (EPGL), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student's failure to properly steer the parachute toward the landing zone in a timely manner.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2018-1719/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

Loading the flight search…