What happened
On June 25, 2011, during a practice jump session preceding the official Chotěboř Airshow at LKCT, a 49-year-old skydiver sustained fatal injuries upon landing. The jump was part of a coordinated group activity involving parachutists from Havlíčkův Brod and Jihlava.
After exiting an An-2 aircraft at an altitude of 1,200 meters, the skydiver deployed a Sabre 2-170 parachute. Witnesses observed that while the deployment was normal, the canopy entered a steep spiral descent. At an altitude of approximately 30 to 50 meters, the skydiver performed a final right-hand turn. Despite attempts to pull the control lines to correct the descent, the skydiver failed to level the canopy. The individual struck the ground with high forward and vertical velocity, landing first on their feet and then on their head. The skydiver was transported to Motol University Hospital, where they succumbed to injuries caused by polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the technical condition of the equipment, the meteorological conditions, and the skydiver's experience. The investigation confirmed that the Sabre 2-170 parachute and all associated gear, including the Javelin Odyssey harness and Vigil reserve device, were in good working order and met all regulatory requirements.
The investigation also noted that the skydiver was highly experienced, with 1,879 total jumps recorded. However, the investigation highlighted a significant difference in flight characteristics between the skydiver's usual Mars M330 canopy and the Sabre 2-170, which has nearly half the surface area and significantly higher wing loading.
Findings
- The skydiver failed to manage the landing maneuver on a high-performance, smaller-surface-area canopy.
- The pilot misjudged the altitude required to initiate the final flare/recovery phase of the maneuver.
- The high wing loading of the Sabre 2-170 made the transition from a steep spiral to a gliding flight more difficult and less forgiving.
- The skydiver did not follow the manufacturer's recommendation to gradually transition to smaller canopies in increments of 20 sq.ft.
- The skydiver was not wearing a protective helmet during the jump.