What happened
On May 15, 2021, a skydiver was performing a canopy relative work (CRW) maneuver at an altitude of 1,500 m AGL near Chrcynno, Poland. During the deployment sequence, the skydiver failed to release the deployment handle (pilocik) to initiate the opening of the main parachute. Instead, the individual held the handle in their hand, causing it to become wrapped around the arm.
In response to the situation, the skydiver pressed the arm wrapped in the handle against the body and proceeded to deploy the reserve parachute. Once the reserve parachute had opened, the skydaries released the deployment handle, which subsequently triggered the opening of the main parachute. This resulted in both canopies being deployed in a side-by-side configuration. The skydiver then disconnected the main parachute and continued the descent using only the reserve parachute. The landing was completed at the intended landing area without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the deployment process and the skydiver's actions regarding the deployment handle. The commission noted that this was not an isolated incident for this specific skydiver, as it was a subsequent jump in which an emergency situation had occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was incorrect procedure by the skydiver during the initiation of the main parachute deployment, specifically the failure to release the deployment handle.
Safety action
Following the incident, the following corrective measures were implemented:
- The jump organizer suspended all jumps to discuss the event with the participants.
- The organizer mandated a two-month suspension of jumping activities for the skydiver involved.
- It was recommended that, following the two-month break, the skydiver perform a supervised control jump (KTS) under the assistance of an AFF instructor.