What happened
On December 31, 2011, during a promotional skydiving event at the Evžen Rošický Stadium in Prague, a skydiver experienced a critical landing error. After jumping from an AN-2 aircraft (OK-VHJ) at 1,500 meters AGL, the participant successfully deployed an Electra 130 parachute.
During the final phase of the descent, the skydiver failed to maintain the planned approach path and altitude. While flying over the stadium, the skydaker's legs made contact with the roof of the grandstand. This impact caused the parachute canopy to deform and the leading edge to catch, pulling the skydiver downward. The resulting loss of control led to a sudden increase in vertical descent speed, causing the skydiver to impact the athletic track in front of the stands. The individual sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures to the femur, pelvis, jaw, and ribs.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized video footage from a helmet camera and witness accounts to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation examined the skydiver's experience, the maintenance of the Electra 130 parachute system, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. The inquiry also reviewed the procedures managed by the jump coordinator and the technical status of the aircraft and equipment.
Findings
- The skydiver was an experienced participant with over 700 total jumps and appropriate qualifications for the equipment used.
- The parachute equipment, including the Electra 130 and the Atom Legend harness, was properly maintained, inspected, and within its technical validity period.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable, though the investigation noted that landing in a stadium surrounded by grandstands presents risks of unpredictable turbulence, making it a high-difficulty area.
- The skydiver failed to maintain sufficient altitude and failed to account for the terrain obstacle (the stadium roof) during the final approach.