What happened
On July 7, 2018, a student skydiver performed their first solo jump from an altitude of 1,200 meters near the Białystok (EPBK) aerodrome. The jump was conducted as an SL-1 task, which requires an immediate parachute deployment. The student exited a PZL-101 aircraft successfully and followed the standard deployment procedure.
Following the deployment, the student managed the parachute under the guidance of an instructor communicating via radio. However, during the final phase of the landing pattern, the student failed to execute the required braking maneuver. As a result, the skydiver impacted the ground at a high rate of speed in the operational area of the airfield. The student was transported to a hospital, where medical staff confirmed a broken ankle.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, examined the sequence of events from the aircraft exit to the point of impact. The inquiry focused on the student's adherence to the instructor's radio commands and the execution of the landing maneuvers during the final approach.