Skydiver injured after low-altitude parachute deployment in Pori

Casualties unknown • FI

A skydiver sustained injuries after a delayed deployment sequence led to the simultaneous opening of both main and reserve parachutes at a low altitude.

What happened

On June 9, 1996, at approximately 18:00 local time, a skydiver was involved in an accident near Pori Airport, Finland. The individual was participating in a formation jump from a Twin Otter DHC-6 (registration OH-SLK) operated by Suomen Laskuvarjokerho.

The jump began as a stable "sit" formation at 4,000 meters. While the initial exit was successful, the two jumpers eventually drifted apart. At an altitude of just over 1,000 meters, the skydiver transitioned to a belly-to-earth position to locate their partner. During this period, the jumper failed to initiate the standard deployment sequence. Upon looking down and realizing they were at an extremely low altitude, the jumper immediately deployed the main parachute reserve.

Because the altitude was so low, the Cypres automatic activation device (AAD) also triggered the reserve parachute. This resulted in both the main and reserve canopies being open simultaneously. The jumper attempted to steer the dual canopies toward a parking area near a local swimming pool to avoid obstacles. The landing occurred on asphalt, resulting in a broken fibula and facial injuries.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was a **delayed deployment sequence** caused by the jumper's focus on locating their partner, which led to a loss of altitude awareness. This delay resulted in the main parachute being deployed at such a low altitude that the automatic activation device triggered the reserve parachute, creating a dual-canopy situation that prevented a controlled landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-06-09 aircraft accident near FI?

A skydiver sustained injuries after a delayed deployment sequence led to the simultaneous opening of both main and reserve parachutes at a low altitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-06-09 involved a aircraft, registration OH-SLK, at FI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was a **delayed deployment sequence** caused by the jumper's focus on locating their partner, which led to a loss of altitude awareness. This delay resulted in the main parachute being deployed at such a low altitude that the automatic activation device triggered the reserve…

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