What happened
On September 13, 2020, an experienced skydiver with over 3,800 jumps was performing a head-down formation jump from an altitude of 4,000 m. The separation from the aircraft, an Icarus VX 94, was completed successfully, and the skydiver maintained a stable freefall.
At approximately 1,200 m, the skydiver initiated the deployment of the main parachute. During the opening sequence, the lines of the main canopy twisted, preventing the canopy from inflating properly and causing the parachute to enter a rapid rotation. In response to the malfunction, the skydiver attempted to jettison the main canopy. However, during the release process, the left main riser was not fully detached, leaving approximately 1 cm of the strap connected.
Following the malfunction, the skydiver deployed the reserve parachute and landed outside the airfield perimeter. The skydiver sustained injuries to the lower spine and was transported to a hospital by emergency medical services.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed documentation provided by the skydiving organizer to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the deployment mechanics of the main canopy and the execution of the emergency procedures used by the skydiver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a technical error in the execution of the jump procedure during the jettisoning of the main canopy.
- The twisting of the lines during the initial deployment prevented the main canopy from achieving full inflation and stability.