What happened
On July 25, 2019, a 56-year-old parachutist, holding a PJ D qualification with 550 previous jumps, performed a training jump at the Municipal Stadium in Inowrocław (EPIN). The jump was conducted using a JAK-12M aircraft and a Classic 282 canopy. The mission was specifically designed for training jumps in restricted terrain, with the jump altitude set at 1,000 meters. Environmental conditions at the time of landing featured winds of 2-3 m/s.
As the parachutist approached the landing area, which was the stadium pitch, the landing was more dynamic than typical airfield landings. Upon touchdown, the parachutist attempted to land in a deep squat. During this maneuver, the individual fell forward, causing the left leg to tuck under the buttocks. The impact resulted in a sprained ankle and a fractured fibula.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the operator and reviewed by the PKBWL. The findings were established through the account of the injured parachutist and an analysis of video footage recorded from the stadium's stands, which clearly captured the moment of touchdown.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was landing in a deep squat, which led to the forward fall and the subsequent entrapment of the leg.
- The specific geography of the landing site—a stadium bowl surrounded by high grandstands—contributed to the incident. The stadium structure causes a sudden increase in descent rate and horizontal speed as the parachute enters the area.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator reminded all parachutists of the specific challenges associated with landing on a stadium pitch. Skydivers are advised to prepare for a harder landing and to utilize a standard landing technique with legs together and slightly bent, rather than relying on personal habits that may be unsuitable for the stadium's aerodynamic conditions.