What happened
On September 21, 2024, a student skydiver performed a jump from an altitude of 1,800 m AGL at the Chrcynno (EPNC) landing field. According to the jump organizer, the meteorological conditions on the day of the event were suitable for skydiving operations.
Following the exit from the aircraft, the freefall phase proceeded without incident. However, during the approach to landing, the student initiated the flare maneuver too high. After nearly fully arresting the descent rate, the student lost forward momentum, which subsequently led to an increase in the vertical descent rate.
Upon a hard landing, the student shifted their body weight onto the right leg and leaned forward. As a result of the impact, the student sustained a broken right leg. Emergency medical personnel from the Parachute Section provided on-site care, and the student was later transported by an Air Ambulance helicopter to a hospital for surgical intervention.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that both the student and the supervising instructor tested negative for alcohol consumption. The parachute equipment, a Navigator 200, was found to be in proper technical condition, and the jump organizer maintained valid third-party liability insurance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect body position maintained by the student during the landing.
- A contributing factor was the student's execution of an excessively high flare maneuver during the landing process.
Safety action
- It is recommended that training processes place particular emphasis on landing techniques.
- The introduction of canopy flight simulators and landing process training should be implemented during the training curriculum.