What happened
On June 30, 2018, at Włocławek Airport (EPWK), a skydiver with approximately 150 jumps was performing their first jump using a Sabre 2 150 parachute. The descent proceeded normally following canopy deployment, with the skydiver following a planned approach involving a left turn toward the landing area.
At an altitude of approximately 100 meters, while flying with the wind, the skydiver initiated a 180-degree left turn using the front risers to reposition the canopy into the wind. Video analysis and observer accounts indicate that this maneuver was executed at too low an altitude. Consequently, the landing occurred with increased forward and vertical speeds. Although the skydiver attempted to flare the canopy at approximately 5 meters above the ground, the maneuver failed to mitigate the impact. The impact resulted in a broken leg and ankle injury.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined video footage from the skydiver's camera and interviewed observers at the drop zone. The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers performed during the final approach and the skydiver's experience level with the specific equipment used.
Findings
- The primary cause was the execution of a turn at an insufficient altitude, which led to increased descent and forward velocities.
- The skydiver's reaction to the rapid loss of altitude during the flare attempt was delayed.
- The skydiver had limited experience with this specific parachute model and size, having performed only a few jumps with it.
- The canopy was opened at a greater distance from the landing site than usual, necessitating more complex maneuvers to reach the target.
- The use of front risers to manipulate the canopy was performed without sufficient prior training in such maneuvers.
Safety action
Following the incident, the training center's manager conducted a review of the event with students and experienced jumpers, using video evidence to emphasize the importance of standard landings when using unfamiliar equipment. The center implemented monthly training sessions focused on the piloting of modern high-performance canopies. New guidelines recommend that jumpers using different canopy sizes or characteristics should stick to conventional landing maneuvers and undergo specialized training before attempting advanced maneuvers.