What happened
On May 1, 2026, a Cessna TU206G Turbo Stationair with registration SP-ASG departed Leszno Aerodrome (EPLS) to transport six skydivers. The aircraft was operated by a single pilot. At approximately 11:00 local time, the group exited the plane from an altitude of roughly 4,000 meters above mean sea level.
Five participants landed safely without incident. One male skydiver, aged 39, experienced a fatal accident. According to the preliminary findings, this individual maintained a stable descent for most of the jump. However, during the final phase of the flight, likely at an insufficient altitude, he executed a sharp turn of approximately 180 degrees. This maneuver caused his body to orient horizontally relative to the ground and resulted in a significant increase in speed. Around 11:20, the skydiver impacted the ground with high horizontal and vertical velocity.
Witnesses near the crash site immediately attempted resuscitation. Emergency services, including an LPR helicopter, arrived shortly after and took over life-saving efforts, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation confirmed one fatality and no other injuries among the participants or bystanders.
The investigation
The State Commission for Investigation of Aviation Accidents (PKBWL) initiated a preliminary investigation following the incident. Investigators conducted a thorough examination of the accident site and secured all relevant evidence. This included the skydiver’s personal equipment, specifically the Crossfire 3-119 parachute system, as well as any personal recording devices.
The team also collected the victim’s personal documentation, including his valid pilot license (PJ(C)) and current medical fitness certificate. Additionally, investigators gathered video footage from local surveillance systems and other recording devices in the vicinity. Witness statements were recorded to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft and the parachute equipment itself did not suffer mechanical damage attributable to the accident; the injuries were solely due to the high-speed ground impact.
Findings
The preliminary analysis indicates that the fatal outcome was caused by a late-stage maneuver error. The skydiver performed a rapid 180-degree turn at a low altitude, which drastically increased his descent speed and altered his body orientation just before impact. This action left insufficient time or altitude to correct the trajectory or deploy a reserve system effectively, leading to a high-energy collision with the ground.
Safety action
As of the issuance of this preliminary report, the PKBWL has not issued any specific safety recommendations. The commission noted that it is too early in the investigation process to determine definitive causal factors or prescribe corrective measures.