What happened
On October 6, 2019, a tandem skydive operation was conducted at Piotrków Trybunalski Airport (EPPT). The passenger, a 54-year-old woman, had undergone standard ground training and signed the necessary risk waivers prior to the jump. The flight was part of a VIP package that included video recording of the entire sequence.
Following the exit from the Sigma 3/70 aircraft, the freefall and canopy deployment phases proceeded normally. At approximately 200 meters above the ground, the instructor briefed the passenger on landing procedures. Video analysis confirmed that the approach was stable, with the instructor performing a proper landing pattern into the wind. However, just meters before touchdown, the instructor experienced a sudden wind gust that reduced the parachute's horizontal speed. This caused the parachute to decelerate at approximately 1 meter of altitude, resulting in a nearly vertical landing with a slight slide.
Immediately following the landing, the passenger complained of intense spinal pain and remained prone for a period. Although she initially declined medical assistance, emergency services were eventually summoned. The passenger was transported to a hospital, where she underwent surgery to stabilize a fractured vertebra.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation involved a detailed review of video footage captured by the camera operator, which documented the ground training, the jump, and the landing phase. The investigators also examined the qualifications of the instructor, who held valid tandem and medical certifications, and reviewed the weather conditions at the time of the event.
Findings
- The instructor was highly experienced and held all necessary valid certifications.
- The passenger had received appropriate theoretical and practical instruction prior to the jump.
- The weather conditions involved variable wind speeds and directions, which contributed to the instability of the landing.
- An unpredictable wind gust during the final phase of landing caused the parachute to lose horizontal momentum, leading to a vertical impact.
- The investigation noted that while the passenger signed a waiver, instructors should remain vigilant during ground training for any pre-existing physical limitations or spinal issues that might compromise safety during landing.