What happened
On 23 September 2022, a group of 16 skydivers and a camera operator performed a jump from approximately 4,000 m near the town of Longinówka, close to the EPPT aerodrome. The group was practicing for a large-scale formation jump. During the process of building a canopy formation, the group experienced difficulties stabilizing their positions.
As skydiver no. 2 was attempting to take his assigned position, a wave in the formation caused the canopy cells of his Lightning 193 PS parachute to close. This loss of internal pressure led to a decrease in forward velocity and an increase in vertical velocity, causing the canopy to drift backward toward skydiver no. 1. Skydiver no. 1 was unable to avoid the collision.
The canopy of skydiver no. 2 struck the lines of skydiver no. 1's canopy, causing the canopy to dive and the body of skydiver no. 1 to be hoisted into the fabric. The two skydivers became entangled, with the canopy of skydiver no. 2 wrapping around skydiver no. 1 from head to waist. This entanglement triggered a rapid, uncontrolled rotation of both canopies, generating g-loads of 3-5 g and a descent speed of 70-80 km/h. The descent lasted over two minutes, with rotational speeds reaching 39 rpm.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined video footage, photographic documentation, and the parachute equipment. The investigation established that both Lightning 193 PS parachute rigs were in technically serviceable condition and functioned according to their manuals.
Investigators analyzed the physical impact, noting that skydiver no. 1 landed on a soft, ploughed field, while skydiver no. 2 struck a harder, grassy area. The investigation also looked into why emergency procedures, such as using a knife or releasing the main canopy, were not successfully executed. Evidence suggested that the dynamic rotation and high g-loads may have impaired perception or caused loss of consciousness. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the shifting of skydiver no. 2's vest during the rotation may have obstructed access to the main canopy release handle.
Findings
- The death of skydiver no. 2 and the serious injuries to skydiver no. 1 were caused by the impact with the ground at high speed.
- The primary cause of the accident was the unsuccessful attempt by skydiver no. 2 to execute emergency procedures following the entanglement.
- A contributing factor was the instability of the formation, where a sudden change in the direction of flight of skydiver no. 2's canopy led to the collision.
- The high rotational speeds and g-loads during the entanglement likely hindered the skydivers' ability to react effectively.