What happened
On August 8, 2020, during a skydiving session conducted from a Cessna 206, two students were performing jumps from an altitude of 1,200 meters. The weather conditions were excellent, characterized by clear skies and light winds of approximately 1-2 m/s. Both jumpers utilized different parachute models, specifically a Mars 291 and a Navigator 260.
Initially, both students maintained proper separation and canopy control down to an altitude of 500 meters. The first jumper drifted toward the center of the airfield and began turning into the wind to prepare for landing. The second jumper, experiencing a slight crosswind, initiated a slow left turn at approximately 100 meters. At an altitude of roughly 50-60 meters, the second jumper's canopy struck the canopy of the first jumper. This impact caused the two skydivers to become entangled, leading to a landing in a combined configuration.
As a result of the collision, the first jumper sustained a severe injury to the right leg, specifically a crushed ankle joint and multiple fractures to the lower leg bones. The second jumper remained uninjured.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of maneuvers performed by both students and the environmental conditions at the Zamość Mokre (EPZA) aerodrome. The investigation focused on the flight paths of both canopies and the lack of separation during the final approach to the landing zone.