What happened
On September 17, 2018, a student skydiver was performing their eighth jump of a training program near Wrocław (EPWS). The mission involved flying an open canopy and practicing landing pattern construction. While the flight and canopy control aspects of the jump were executed correctly, a critical error occurred during the final phase of the descent.
Upon reaching the ground, the student landed with their legs spread apart and failed to perform the necessary braking maneuver (flaring) of the parachute. This impact resulted in serious injuries, specifically a fracture of the lateral malleolus of the right leg, a tibial-fibular ligament injury, and a dislocation of the tibiofibular joint. Meteorological conditions at the time of landing were favorable, with wind speeds recorded between 0 and 1 m/s.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the landing technique and the sequence of events leading to the physical impact. The inquiry established that the primary issue was not related to environmental factors, as the weather was nearly windless, but rather to the student's execution of the landing flare and body positioning upon contact with the ground.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was landing with legs spread and failing to flare the parachute prior to touchdown.
- Meteorological conditions were stable with minimal wind interference.