What happened
On the afternoon of April 26, 1997, a student parachutist was participating in training jumps at Alavuden airfield. The student, who was on their second jump following a recent basic course, was part of the tenth load of the day, transported in a Cessna Reims Rocket C-172, registration OH-CNJ.
During the descent, the student experienced unexpected upward air currents caused by thermal activity (rising air) over a nearby forested area. This thermal activity caused the student's altitude to decrease differently than expected, complicating the descent pattern. While a radio instructor provided guidance to manage the descent and avoid other jumpers, the student drifted closer to the runway and an adjacent ditch.
As the student approached the landing area, they attempted to perform a flare too early, at an altitude of approximately 15–25 meters. This early maneuver, combined with a landing posture where the legs were extended forward and held together rather than tucked, resulted in the student hitting the ground with their legs first and falling into a seated position. The impact caused the student to land on their side.
The investigation
The investigation examined the student's recent training history, the weather conditions, and the equipment used. It was noted that the student had sustained a minor knee injury during their first jump eleven days prior. While the student had practiced exit techniques and wing flying before the second jump, the investigation found that landing techniques and proper landing postures had not been practiced as a refresher prior to this jump.
Investigators also reviewed the radio instructor's performance and the club's administrative records. The investigation found that while the radio instructor's guidance was commendable, there were administrative discrepancies regarding written consents for certain instructors within the club.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was poor landing posture and technique.
- Unexpected thermal air currents (updrafts) occurred during the jump, which surprised both the student and the jumpmaster.
- The student's first jump had resulted in a poor landing and a minor injury, yet no specific landing technique reinforcement was conducted before this second jump.
- The student attempted a flare at an insufficient altitude.
- The student's legs were positioned straight and together upon impact, rather than in the recommended tucked position, making a fall into a seated position more likely.
- The parachute equipment, including the main canopy and reserve, was found to be in good working order with no defects identified.