What happened
On September 11, 2020, a tandem skydiving operation took place at Elbląg Airport (EPEL). The jump involved a highly experienced instructor and a passenger. After exiting the aircraft at approximately 3,822 meters (12,467 ft) AGL, the tandem pair experienced a significant period of freefall.
Data retrieved from the Vigil II+ automatic activation device (AAD) revealed that the instructor failed to deploy the drogue chute within the manufacturer's recommended timeframe. The drogue was released approximately 19 seconds after exit, significantly exceeding the 1-to-10-second safety window. This delay allowed the pair to reach a maximum descent speed of approximately 115 m/s (414 km/h). Consequently, the main parachute canopy underwent a hard opening, which caused four load-bearing lines to snap near the attachment points on the leading edge.
During the descent, the pilot did not initiate emergency procedures to use the reserve parachute despite the structural damage. The landing approach was executed with a low turn and without sufficient braking, resulting in a hard landing on the grass airfield. The passenger sustained serious injuries, while the instructor sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation included a technical examination of the Sigma II 340 parachute system, including the harness, reserve parachute, and the AAD. The investigation team analyzed video footage of the landing and reviewed data from the AAD, which was sent to the manufacturer for specialized readout. The investigators also examined the physical condition of the lines and the canopy's internal crossports, which showed fraying due to the high-stress opening.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's error in misjudging the operational integrity of the parachute following the hard opening.
- The landing was performed with a tailwind/crosswind component and at a high ground speed, likely in a stall configuration, without adequate braking.
- The instructor exceeded the permissible freefall duration, leading to an opening speed that caused structural damage to the canopy.
- The landing approach was performed too low to the ground and failed to account for prevailing wind conditions.