What happened
On May 13, 2015, a 45-year-old Danish skydiver was participating in a high-speed canopy landing (swooping) training course at Klatovy Airport (LKKT). The skydiver, an experienced category D practitioner, was performing maneuvers using a VALKYRIE 84 high-performance canopy.
During the critical jump, the skydiver exited the aircraft, an SC-7 Skyvan (registration OE-FDN), at 1500 m AGL. After completing the necessary maneuvers, the skydaker initiated a 270-degree steep turn to prepare for landing. Video evidence and witness testimony indicate that during the turn, the skydiver likely realized he was too close to the landing area boundary and momentarily interrupted the smooth execution of the turn to adjust his course. While he successfully completed the turn, this correction resulted in a loss of altitude.
Following the completion of the turn, the skydiver continued in a steep descent for approximately two seconds. At an altitude of roughly 12 m AGL, he made a sudden, forceful input on the toggles, pulling them from shoulder level down to waist level. Just before impact, a reflexive movement of his arms caused the canopy to tilt to the left, significantly reducing its ability to brake the descent. The skydiver struck the surface of a water feature at high speed, sustaining fatal injuries. Despite immediate first aid efforts by colleagues and medical professionals, he succumbed to multiple blunt force traumas at the scene.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the skydiver's equipment, the meteorological conditions, and the sequence of the maneuver via video analysis. The investigation confirmed that the VALKYRIE 84 canopy and all associated equipment, including the reserve parachute and deployment system, were fully functional and in compliance with regulations. The weather at the time of the accident was CAVOK with light winds, providing suitable conditions for skydiving. The investigation also reviewed the skydiver's extensive experience, noting he had performed 49 jumps on this specific new canopy prior to the accident.
Findings
- The skydiver initiated the high-speed landing maneuver from an inappropriate location, though at a correct altitude.
- The interruption of the 270-degree turn to correct the landing path led to a critical loss of altitude.
- The skydiver failed to realize he was too low to safely complete the maneuver.
- The primary cause of the accident was the late application of control inputs to the canopy following the completion of the steep turn.