What happened
On September 22, 2019, a student skydiver was performing their second jump of the day from an altitude of 1,200 meters. The jump was conducted using an AN-2, registration SP-ANI. The separation from the aircraft and the initial deployment of the Spadochron Navigator 240 parachute proceeded without incident.
However, during the final approach for a headwind landing, the skydiver fully pulled the steering toggles while at an altitude of more than 10 meters. This maneuver resulted in the skydiver hitting the ground with increased vertical and horizontal velocity. The impact caused a fracture of the left tibia and fibula.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase. The inquiry established that the deployment and flight of the parachute were normal, but the specific control inputs made during the final seconds of the descent directly led to the injury.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was the complete pulling of the steering toggles at an altitude exceeding 10 meters.
- This action caused the skydiver to land with an increased speed, leading to the leg fractures.