What happened
On May 8, 2021, during a skydiving session at the Piotrków Trybunalski (EPPT) airfield, a group of six skydivers exited an SC-7 Short Skyvan to perform a "TRACK" maneuver. The group had exited the aircraft at an altitude of 4,000 m AGL. Due to cloud cover, visibility of the ground was limited during the freefall phase.
The skydiver initiated the parachute deployment process at an altitude between 1,000 and 1,100 m AGL, with the canopy reaching full inflation at approximately 850 m AGL. Following deployment, the skydiver drifted with the wind toward the intended landing area. However, the skydiver failed to reach the planned landing zone at the airfield.
At 15:56 LMT, the skydiver impacted a hard surface at a scrapyard located approximately 650 m from the intended target. The flight path toward the airfield was obstructed by various obstacles, including buildings, fences, and railway lines. The impact with the ground at high speed resulted in a pelvic injury.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the skydiver's qualifications, and the flight trajectory. At the time of the incident, the wind speed was approximately 15 knots from a westerly direction (274°), with significant cloud cover and light rain. The investigation also reviewed the skydiver's experience, noting they had completed 156 total jumps, though this was their first jump of the season.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an incorrect assessment of the ability to reach the airfield, which resulted in landing in an area containing significant obstacles such as fences, buildings, and paved surfaces.
- A landing technique error occurred, as the skydiver landed with a tailwind component.
- Limited visibility of the ground during the freefall phase likely hindered the skydiver's ability to accurately determine their position relative to the target.
- The fact that this was the skydiver's first jump following the winter break was a contributing factor.