All students are taught to arch. ARCH! Yet, from time to time, this doesn’t work so well. This skydiving student ends up on his back, spinning like a top. Fun times. How well did your AFF Level 3 go?

Few informations:

Where did it happen? I cannot provide specific details, because we may have some problems with the USPA if they see this jump. Normally we should only post the positive skydives of students.

When did it happen? August.

How high? 4000 meters / 13000 feets.

Why did it happen? He didn`t arch and he started spining on his back.

Why is the spinning bad? We teach the students if they're spinning out of control on a AFF Level 3 for more than 5 seconds, and they can't regain control, they're supposed to pull immediately, no matter what orientation they're in.
The student was in shock, only when the instructor in black entered in him with his body, he realized and pulled.

What would have been the consequences had the parachute not been released? If the student doesn't pull the pilot chute, the AAD (automatic activation device) will do his job. But again we try do avoid this kind of things.