What happened
On 27 June 2009, a male parachutist with nearly 3,000 jumps performed a freefall from 6,000 ft AGL at the EP Skydivers facility in Grahamstown. During the descent, the individual attempted a high-performance swoop landing, a technique involving a 270-degree turn to build significant horizontal speed. During this maneuver, the parachutist entered a steep dive that could not be corrected before impact. The force of the collision resulted in one fatality caused by multiple blunt force injuries.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident examined the equipment, weather, and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The weather at the time of the accident was reported as fine. The parachuting equipment, including the Icarus Extreme VX 104 canopy and Vector container, was inspected by Parachute Industries of SA and found to be in a satisfactory, airworthy condition. The investigation also noted that the parachutist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the parachutist misjudged the altitude required to safely initiate the swoop maneuver.
- The 270-degree turn was started at too low an altitude, preventing the canopy from recovering from its dive attitude before hitting the ground.
- Weather conditions and equipment failure were not contributing factors.
- A lack of recent currency with this specific high-performance parachute was identified as a contributing factor.
Safety action
Due to the inherent risks of high-speed landings, it is recommended that skydivers receive specific education regarding the dangers of the swoop discipline. Furthermore, the use of helmets and audible altimeters specifically designed for swooping maneuvers should be encouraged to improve safety during high-speed maneuvers.