What happened
On June 23, 2019, a 33-year-old student skydiver was performing her first static line jump using a Mars 330 training parachute. The jump originated from a JAK-12 aircraft at an altitude of 1,000 meters near Inowrocław (EPIN). The descent proceeded normally until the student reached approximately 15 meters above the ground, at which point she performed a parachute brake too early.
This premature braking caused the parachute to lose its forward momentum, resulting in a vertical descent. As the student reached approximately 1.5 meters above the ground, a gust of wind pushed the canopy backward. This sudden movement jerked the skydiver backward, causing her to land on her back. Following the impact, the student reported neck pain, and emergency medical services were summoned to transport her to the hospital.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the user, established that the student had been briefed on proper braking procedures prior to the jump. The incident was directly witnessed by the jump master/instructor supervising the student. Medical examinations confirmed that the student sustained fractures of the C2-C6 cervical vertebrae, though no neurological deficits were observed. The student required spinal stabilization for several months.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the premented braking of the parachute at too high an altitude, which eliminated forward velocity and led to a vertical drop.
- A wind gust acting against the direction of flight contributed to the accident by causing the skydiver to land backward on her back.
Safety action
Immediately following the incident, the jump operator reviewed the event with all students and re-emphasized the correct procedures for braking the parachute prior to landing.