What happened
On July 15, 2018, a student skydiver was performing their 15th jump overall and their first jump of the day using the RW-2 task. The jump was conducted using a Navigator 260 parachute system. Following a successful separation from the aircraft, the student followed all instructor commands and executed a proper landing pattern.
As the student approached the designated landing area at Kruszyn (EPWK), they failed to properly flare the parachute to reduce descent speed. Consequently, the student struck the ground with one leg at an increased rate of descent. The impact resulted in a broken fibula.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the landing sequence and the student's execution of the landing flare. The review established that while the initial flight maneuvers and separation from the aircraft were performed correctly according to instructions, the final approach lacked the necessary deceleration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was the failure to properly flare the parachute prior to touchdown.
- The student landed on a single leg with excessive downward velocity, leading to the fracture.