What happened
On July 30, 2019, a student skydiver was performing their first AFF1 training jump from an altitude of 4,000 meters. The jump was conducted using a PAC 750 aircraft. The initial phases of the jump, including separation, freefall, and parachute deployment, proceeded without incident.
However, after the parachute was deployed and partially braked to approximately 50% speed, the student misjudged the wind speed and direction. This error caused the skydiver to drift toward an area where they believed they could not reach the airfield. Consequently, the student decided to land on a dirt parking area located approximately 200 meters from the airfield apron.
As the student approached the ground, despite having the necessary training for a proper landing, they became fearful of breaking their legs and lifted their legs upward. This resulted in a landing where the student slid forward onto their buttocks, bracing with one hand, and subsequently struck their head against the ground. The student sustained a fractured pelvis, a fracture of the fibula near the wrist, and a contusion of the orbital area. Emergency services transported the individual to a regional hospital in Gdańsk.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the landing and the actions of the participants. Local police and a duty prosecutor conducted on-site procedures, which included breathalyzer tests for both the injured student and the AFF instructors; all results were negative for alcohol consumption.