Skydiver injured during landing conflict at Chrcynno aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Chrcynno (EPNC), PL

A skydiver sustained fractures after being forced to perform an emergency landing due to a conflict with an approaching aircraft at EPNC aerodrome.

What happened

On September 21, 2018, a skydiver performing a camera-tandem jump experienced a hazardous landing situation at Chrcynno (EPNC) aerodrome. During the approach to land, the skydiver, operating a Safire ft 135 parachute, observed an aircraft approaching the runway. The wind conditions were gusty, originating from the south at 10–12 m/s, which increased the forward speed of the parachute.

As the skydiver attempted to land into the wind, the presence of the approaching aircraft created a risk of a simultaneous landing on the runway centerline. The skydiver waited for the aircraft to complete its approach and enter a second circuit; however, the aircraft pilot continued the landing approach without yielding. This prevented the skydiver from maintaining the intended landing path, forcing a sudden change in direction. Consequently, the skydiver was forced to land along the runway with a strong crosswind. The high-speed impact and subsequent fall resulted in one fatality-level injury (specifically, fractures to the fourth metacarpal and the proximal phalanx of the fourth finger of the left hand).

Probable cause

Regulatory violations by the aircraft pilot and the flight controller, specifically the failure to maintain proper separation and priority during landing sequences.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-09-21 Safire 149 accident near Chrcynno (EPNC), PL?

A skydiver sustained fractures after being forced to perform an emergency landing due to a conflict with an approaching aircraft at EPNC aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-09-21 involved a Safire 149, operated by Skoczek spadochronowy, at Chrcynno (EPNC), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Regulatory violations by the aircraft pilot and the flight controller, specifically the failure to maintain proper separation and priority during landing sequences.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2018-3201/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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