What happened
On August 28, 2014, at approximately 08:00 UTC, a B.A.S.E. jumper attempted a specialized terrain flying maneuver near the summit of Sněžka. The jumper intended to use a motorized hang glider (MZK) to reach a height of approximately 500 m AGL above the peak, allowing for a controlled freefall in a wingsuit before deploying a parachute to land in the Obří důl area.
The flight departed from Vrchlabí airport (LKVR). During the approach to the summit, the pilot performed several circuits to position the aircraft. At the planned altitude, the pilot shut down the engine and slightly adjusted the wing to facilitate the exit. However, the exit from the motorized hang glider was unstable. Due to the lack of appropriate footrests on the aircraft and the low mass of the glider, the jumper was unable to achieve a solid push-off, resulting in one or more unintended forward somers/flips immediately after separation.
This instability caused a significant loss of altitude. While the jumper initially attempted to follow the planned trajectory, they likely realized they lacked the altitude to clear the terrain as planned. In an attempt to find a safer deployment zone, the jumper performed an evasive maneuver toward the northern slope. The parachute deployment occurred at an insufficient altitude, and the jumper struck the rocky terrain, resulting in fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Czech ÚZPLN in cooperation with the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (SCAAI). The investigation examined the jumper's equipment, including a TRANGO 245 parachute and a Vampire 4 wingsuit, as well as the flight parameters of the motorized hang glider. Investigators also reviewed witness statements from the pilot and others present at the site, and analyzed meteorological data from the Sněžka and Pec pod Sněžkou stations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to continue flight instead of immediately deploying the parachute after encountering difficulties during the exit from the aircraft.
- The jumper underestimated the technical challenges of exiting a motorized hang glider, specifically the inability to achieve a stable, powerful push-off due to the aircraft's configuration and low weight.
- The jumper was highly experienced in wingsuit flying but lacked specific experience jumping from a motorized hang glider.
- The aircraft used was not approved for jump operations, and the pilot did not hold a specific instructor/deployer qualification.
- The flight was not conducted in accordance with established sporting parachute regulations, as the equipment and procedures did not meet the requirements of Directive V-PARA-1.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and did not contribute to the accident.