Fatal Parachute Accident in ATZ LKST on 16 October 2023 (OK-PRI)

Incident Overview and Investigation Authority On 16 October 2023, the Czech Institute for Expert Investigation of Causes of Aircraft Accidents (ÚZPLN) received a notification regarding a parachute accident within the ATZ LKST (Strakonice) airspace. The investigation was conducted in accordance with EU Regulation 996/2010, Czech Act No. 49/1997, and Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention. The final report was issued on 24 June 2024. The investigation's sole purpose was to prevent future accidents and incidents, without determining blame or liability. ## Sequence of Events The parachutist arrived at Strakonice airport in the afternoon by personal car for training ahead of the 2024 World Cup in precision landing. He was part of a three-person group from Aeroklub Plzeň/Bory, planning 3 to 4 precision landing jumps. The parachutist exited a Cessna 172 aircraft from an altitude of 1,000 meters above ground level. After a brief period in a stable head-down position, he rolled over his head into a back position. In this position, he fell in freefall without any apparent attempt to recover the stable head-down position. ## Deployment and Impact The parachutist activated the main parachute at a low altitude above the ground. The parachute reduced the freefall speed but did not prevent a hard impact with the ground. The parachutist sustained injuries from which he died at the scene. The main parachute was manufactured by North American Aerodynamics, Inc., and was a Jalbert Parafoil 2000 model. ## Investigation Findings The investigation committee, chaired by Ing. Josef Bejdák and including Ing. Jiří Dvořák and doc. MUDr. Miloš Sokol, examined the parachute equipment, meteorological conditions, operational organization, and the parachutist's actions during the critical jump. The report includes witness statements from group members, the jump supervisor, the aircraft pilot, and a passerby. The investigation also reviewed the Automatic Activation Device (AAD) and conducted a police examination of the parachutist's personal car. ## Safety Recommendations The report includes safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future. The findings and conclusions are intended solely for safety improvement purposes and cannot be used for determining fault or liability in insurance or legal proceedings.