What happened
On March 31, 2016, at approximately 08:05 local time, a Belgian skydiver participating in a high-speed landing (swooping) training course was involved in a fatal accident at Klatovy Airport (LKKT). The skydiver, an experienced participant with 575 total jumps, exited an aircraft at 1,554 m AGL. After deploying a SABRE II 135 parachute, the individual attempted a standard 90-degree steep turn maneuver to prepare for a landing on the grass landing area.
During the execution of this turn, the skydiver briefly interrupted the continuous rotation to adjust their landing approach. This adjustment caused the skydender to drift north of the intended landing zone toward a caravan parking area. In an attempt to correct the course, the skydiver performed a rapid completion of the turn. During this final phase, the skydiver likely failed to realize they were at an insufficient altitude. The skydiver's body struck the crown of a tree at approximately 4 m AGL, resulting in a high-velocity impact with the ground. Despite immediate on-site resuscitation efforts by colleagues and medical professionals, the skydiver succumbed to injuries at a hospital.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized video footage from a witness, data from the Vigil 2 automatic activation device (AAD), and an examination of the parachute equipment. The investigation established that the parachute system, including the main and reserve components, was fully functional and compliant with all regulations prior to the impact. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which showed favorable conditions with visibility exceeding 10 km and light winds.
Findings
- The skydiver was highly experienced and properly equipped for the training maneuver.
- The primary cause of the accident was the short-term interruption of the steep turn, which led to an improper landing approach and a failure to recognize the low altitude.
- The skydiver's decision to rapidly complete the turn at an insufficient height prevented a timely correction of the descent path.
- The impact with the tree branches caused a partial collapse of the parachute canopy, significantly reducing the ability to decelerate before hitting the ground.
- The meteorological conditions and the technical state of the parachute equipment were not contributing factors to the accident.