What happened
On May 7, 2025, a skydiver participated in a scheduled jump session at the Ústí nad Orlicí airport. The jump was part of a group deployment from an L-60S Brigadýr (registration OK-MTK) carrying three experienced skydivers. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of 1,200 meters before the jumpers exited the aircraft.
While the initial stages of the jump proceeded normally, a fatal incident occurred during the landing phase. As the skydiver approached the landing area at a low altitude, they attempted a 180-degree turn to land into the wind, as they had been approaching with the wind. During this maneuver, the leading edge of the high-speed Raptor 120 parachute caught the air in a way that caused the canopy to dive sharply toward the ground. The skydiver struck the terrain at high speed, resulting in one fatality.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined witness statements, security camera footage, and data from the skydiver's automatic activation device. The investigation also reviewed the technical status of the parachute equipment and the skydiver's training records.
Investigators found that the skydiver was a highly qualified individual (Category D) with 820 jumps, though they had relatively limited experience specifically with high-speed canopy piloting and had not jumped for several months prior to the accident. The investigation also noted several administrative irregularities regarding the equipment: the main parachute had an expired technical inspection and lacked required third-party liability insurance. However, the technical analysis concluded that the equipment itself was fully functional and the administrative failures did not contribute to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an incorrect landing calculation and a subsequent improper control input on the high-speed canopy at a low altitude while attempting to turn into the wind.
- The skydiver's attempt to maneuver the canopy resulted in the leading edge of the canopy diving toward the earth, making the parachute virtually uncontrollable at that height.
- The meteorological conditions were within safe limits for skydiving operations.
- The parachute equipment was in good technical condition and functioned as intended during the flight.