Event Overview
On July 8, 2023, at 16:35 local time, a Zenit-290 parachute (serial number Z06290028) operated by Borsod Megyei REK was involved in an accident during a skydiving flight at Nyíregyháza Airport (LHNY). The aircraft, an Antonov AN-2 registered HA-ANT, had taken off at 16:25 with a pilot and 12 parachutists. Five parachutists exited at 1,500 meters and seven at 3,000 meters. The affected student parachutist was making his second jump of the day, exiting second at 1,500 meters, with his instructor jumping third.
Incident Sequence
After leaving the aircraft, during the parachute deployment process, the student's right hand became entangled and trapped in the harness. The main parachute inflated but was severely deformed, causing an intense turn and leftward rotation. Despite instructions from his instructor, the student did not release the canopy or deploy the reserve parachute. The spinning parachute descended at high speed, and the student struck the grass area of the airport.
Injuries and Damage
The student was transported to the hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries and died 11 days later on July 19, 2023. The parachute itself was not damaged.
Investigation Findings
The investigation board determined that the direct cause of the accident was the student's inability to manage the critical situation, for reasons that could not be established. A contributing factor was identified as the student's incorrect exit body position. The board found no circumstances warranting safety recommendations.
The investigation included examination of the parachute system, witness interviews, police documents, autopsy report, video recordings, training records, weather data, and data from the automatic activation device, which was analyzed with the manufacturer. Consultation with parachuting experts was also conducted.