What happened
On July 23, 2020, at approximately 13:00 local time, a group of skydivers conducted a jump using a JVX2 89 parachute. The mission was part of a series of jumps intended to land in an improvised area at a beach near Lake Ukiel, located roughly 1.8 km from the Olsztyn airport (EPOD).
Prior to the jump, the participants had visited the landing site to inspect the terrain, establish a landing plan, secure the area, and coordinate water jump safety and local permissions. At the airfield, the training chief verified the jumpers' qualifications, documentation, and experience via jump logs and video footage of previous landings in similar terrain. An instructor with Category D USPA credentials traveled to the landing site to act as the jump coordinator and ensure the area was clear of unauthorized persons, maintaining radio contact with the jump manager at the airfield.
The jump was performed from an altitude of 1,500 meters. While the first jumper landed successfully in the designated area without incident, the second jumper performed a series of maneuvers to transition from a water-based approach toward the land. During this process, the skydiver struck the ground with significant force, resulting in a fractured right leg and pelvis. The instructor and local water rescue (WOPR) personnel provided immediate first aid before the injured individual was transported to a hospital.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of events, the preparations made by the training staff, and the landing maneuvers performed by the skydiver. The investigation confirmed that the landing site had been pre-scouted and that safety protocols, including documentation checks and site security, had been implemented by the training chief and the on-site instructor.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing, which was likely caused by an excessive vertical descent rate.
- There were no contributing environmental or operational circumstances identified that facilitated the accident.