Skydiver injured during landing accident at Jastarnia

Casualties unknown • Jastarnia (EPJA), PL

A skydiver sustained an ankle injury after colliding with trees during a landing maneuver at Jastarnia airport.

What happened

On July 26, 2018, a skydiver was performing a jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters as part of a scheduled training session. The jump was the 167th for the individual and the 7th of the day. Following separation from the aircraft, the freefall and the deployment of the main parachute proceeded without any technical issues.

As the skydiver approached the landing area at Jastarnia (EPJA), they misjudged the wind speed and direction. While attempting a turn at an altitude of approximately 60 meters, the skydiver drifted over trees located outside the airfield boundaries. The canopy collapsed upon contact with the trees, leading to a collision with the ground. The incident resulted in one injury involving the ankle.

The investigation

The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the sequence of events leading to the canopy collapse and the subsequent impact. The inquiry examined the skydiver's approach to the landing zone and the environmental conditions, specifically wind parameters, at the time of the maneuver.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the skydiver's failure to follow standard landing procedures, specifically the failure to maintain the canopy overhead and the failure to land in a clear area upwind of obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-07-26 Pilot 168 accident near Jastarnia (EPJA), PL?

A skydiver sustained an ankle injury after colliding with trees during a landing maneuver at Jastarnia airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-07-26 involved a Pilot 168, operated by Skoczek spadochronowy, at Jastarnia (EPJA), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the skydiver's failure to follow standard landing procedures, specifically the failure to maintain the canopy overhead and the failure to land in a clear area upwind of obstacles.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2018-2446/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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