What happened
On June 17, 2012, at approximately 10:24 UTC, a fatal parachuting accident occurred at Příbram Airport (LKPM). The skydiver, an experienced individual with over 300 jumps, performed a jump from an altitude of 1,500 m AGL. The descent proceeded normally until the final stages of the landing approach.
During the approach to the landing zone, the skydiver was flying at a relatively low altitude, approximately 200–300 m AGL, directly over the landing area with a tailwind. At an altitude of roughly 50–70 m AGL, the skydiver attempted a rapid 180-degree turn to transition to a headwind landing. This maneuver caused the leading edge of the Sonic 150 parachute to dive toward the ground, resulting in a sudden and significant increase in airspeed. Although the skydiver attempted to mitigate the impact by pulling fully on the control lines, the parachute became virtually uncontrollable at such high speed. The skydiver struck the ground with great force, sustaining fatal injuries.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the skydiver's experience, the functionality of the parachute equipment, the meteorological conditions, and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The investigation confirmed that the skydiver held a valid Category C qualification and was medically fit. The parachute equipment, including the main Sonic 150 canopy, the reserve parachute, and the automatic activation device, was found to be in good working order and fully compliant with regulations.
Meteorological data indicated that wind speeds were within safe limits for canopy operations, and there were no contributing factors related to weather or the organization of the skydiving session. The investigation also noted that the skydiver's physical examination revealed polytrauma, specifically a fracture of the sternum, caused by the high-intensity impact.
Findings
- The skydiver likely misjudged their altitude above the terrain during the landing approach.
- The skydiver executed an inadequate control input on the parachute given the current altitude and the specific characteristics of the canopy type.
- The decision to attempt a landing against the wind under those specific circumstances was incorrect.
- The primary cause was the incorrect assessment of altitude when initiating a sharp turn prior to the landing maneuver.