What happened
On August 17, 2019, an 18-year-old student skydiver was performing her first solo jump as part of her training for a Basic Parachutist Certificate (PJ(B)) using the stable low (SL) method. The jump was conducted from an An-2 aircraft. The student successfully separated from the aircraft and maintained a proper glide path while establishing a landing approach toward the Pobiednik Wielki (EPKP) airfield. At the time of the incident, ground wind speeds were approximately 1 m/s.
As the student approached the ground, the instructor observing the jump noted that the parachute braking maneuver was not sufficiently dynamic. The student landed with her legs widely spread, which resulted in a significant impact. Following the landing, first aid was administered, and the student was transported to the emergency department. Medical examinations confirmed a sprain of the left Chopart joint, along with fractures of the scaphoid and navicular bones in the left foot.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the user, examined the sequence of the landing maneuver and the student's technique. The investigation established that the student failed to execute an adequate braking maneuver and maintained an incorrect body position during the final descent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was landing with legs widely spread.
- A contributing factor was the lack of a sufficiently dynamic parachute braking maneuver.