What happened
On May 25, 2004, at 12:20 UTC, a 33-year-old Austrian skydiver sustained fatal injuries during a freeflying jump at Klatovy Airport. The jump was part of a group of 18 participants exiting a Short Skyvan SC-7, registration OE-FDE, operated by an Austrian company.
The skydiver performed a high-altitude jump from 4,000 meters, descending in a head-down position with another participant until reaching 1,500 meters. Both participants deployed their main parachutes at approximately 1,000 meters. The descent proceeded normally, and the skydiver approached the landing zone on a heading of 270° with a slight left turn into the wind.
While the descent appeared stable until roughly 5 to 7 meters above the ground, the skydiver struck the terrain during the landing phase. The impact caused a broken left leg and a severe head injury that resulted in unconsciousness. The skydiver passed away in a Plzeň hospital on May 30, 2004.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the parachute equipment, meteorological conditions, and the sequence of the landing. The investigation confirmed that the main parachute, a Nitro 88, was within its weight limits (the skydiver's total weight was approximately 60 kg, well below the 70 kg limit) and that the equipment had been properly packed by a qualified professional.
Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with light winds and clear visibility. The landing area was a prepared grassy strip that met all safety requirements. The investigation also noted that while the skydiver's jump logbook was not maintained in accordance with specific regulations, this was not a contributing factor to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to properly flare the parachute during the final phase of the landing.
- The immediate contributing factors were insufficient braking and a slight left tilt of the canopy during the turn.
- The Nitro 88 canopy is characterized by high forward speed and high sensitivity to control inputs, which requires significant experience to manage during landing.
- The impact occurred while the skydiver was sliding across the ground at a vertical speed of approximately 5 m/s and a forward speed between 15 and 18 m/s.