What happened
On May 14, 2022, at Olomouc Airport, a 71-year-old skydiver participated in a jump session organized by the Hanácký paraklub. After a successful first jump from 1,200 meters, the skydiver performed a second jump from the same altitude.
Following the exit from an Antonov An-2 (registration HA-MBN), the skydiver maintained a stable belly-to-earth position during freefall and successfully deployed a Triathlon 150 main parachute. After performing several spiral descents to lose altitude, the skydiver approached the landing area. At a low altitude of approximately 15 meters, the skydiver attempted a sharp 180-degree turn to land into the wind. This aggressive control input caused the leading edge of the canopy to dive toward the ground, resulting in a rapid increase in airspeed. Despite attempting to mitigate the impact by pulling the control lines fully, the skydiver struck the ground at high speed. The individual sustained fatal injuries and passed away at the scene.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized several data sources to reconstruct the event, including analysis of footage from an outdoor camera mounted on the skydist's helmet, security camera footage from a building near the control tower, and witness testimony from the jump controller.
The investigation examined the skydiver's experience, noting they held a category D license and had completed 1,246 jumps. The technical condition of the parachute equipment, including the main Triathlon 150 canopy and the automatic activation device, was also evaluated. Medical examinations confirmed that no alcohol or drugs were present in the skydiver's system and ruled out medical failure as a cause.
Findings
- The skydiver was highly experienced, holding the highest category D qualification, and was properly equipped and configured for the jump.
- The parachute equipment was fully functional, properly maintained, and appropriate for the skydiver's weight and skill level.
- Meteorological conditions were within safe limits for skydiving operations.
- The skydiver misjudged the current altitude before initiating an aggressive turn during the critical phase of the landing maneuver.
- The decision to attempt a landing into the wind at such a low altitude, combined with the sharp control input, led to an unrecoverable high-speed descent.