Accident Overview
On July 19, 2020, at 11:45 local time, a parachutist conducted a jump north of Kaposújlak airfield from approximately 4000 meters. He was an experienced skydiver. The parachute, an Icarus Crossfire 2 (serial number 27182, manufactured by NZ Aerosports Ltd., privately owned), opened abnormally after 59 seconds of freefall at about 700 meters altitude. Shortly thereafter, the parachute entered a right-hand spiral. The parachutist did not perform a release or deploy the reserve parachute. He collided with trees and then the ground. Injuries sustained from the impacts caused his death at the scene. The parachute itself was not structurally damaged but became unusable due to contamination.
Sequence of Events
The jump was initiated from a drop zone area. After exiting the aircraft, the parachutist performed a freefall of approximately 59 seconds. At around 700 meters above the departure airfield, the main parachute deployed in an abnormal manner. The parachute then developed an asymmetrical airflow, leading to a right-hand spiral. The parachutist did not take any corrective actions such as releasing the main parachute or activating the reserve. The descent continued uncontrolled until impact with trees and terrain.
Investigation Findings
The Hungarian Transportation Safety Bureau (KBSZ) conducted the investigation. The board identified that the parachutist's handling of the situation was inadequate, which was determined to be the cause of the accident. Additionally, the investigation revealed serious technical issues with the parachute's condition, as well as deficiencies in the operations of the certifying organization and related regulations. The board issued safety recommendations addressing these findings.
Probable Cause
The investigation board attributed the cause of the accident to the parachutist's inadequate handling of the situation.