What happened
On July 10, 2018, a skydiver with PJ(D) certification performed a jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The initial phase of the jump, including separation from the aircraft and freefall, proceeded without incident. Upon deploying the main parachute, a self-tightening knot occurred, necessitating the execution of emergency procedures. The reserve parachute was deployed successfully.
During the approach to the landing area at Jastarnia (EPJA), the skydiver encountered turbulence. This turbulence caused a partial deflation of the parachute canopy, leading to a hard landing. As a result of the impact, the skydiver sustained a bimalleolar ankle fracture.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the deployment of the reserve parachute to the impact on the landing strip. The inquiry examined the environmental conditions at the aerodrome and the mechanical behavior of the parachute canopy during the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the hard landing was the partial deflation of the parachute canopy caused by turbulence encountered during the landing approach.
Safety action
Following the incident, the jump organizer reviewed the event with other participants. The briefing emphasized the potential for turbulence, noting it as a characteristic phenomenon at this coastal landing site.