Skydiving / Paratroopers

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff on a parachute jumping flight the left engine lost power, but a second later power was restored. Soon afterwards a total power loss occurred. According to the pilot, the propeller stopped rotating and did not windmill. He did not feather the left propeller. He made a shallow left turn toward an open field, while trying to return to the airport. He was unable to maintain adequate airspeed or altitude, and in order to maintain aircraft control, he reduced power on the right engine. He made a forced landing in a wheat field. The airplane came to a stop and all occupants escaped the airplane before it caught fire. The examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

The airplane collided with trees and power lines during takeoff from a 2,000 foot long open area with 10 parachutists aboard. The pilot said he experienced an unsolicited rollback in engine power prior to the collision. Reportedly, some power was regained. However, not in time to avoid the collision. But, the jump club chairman reported that no change in the engine's operation was observed throughout the mishap. Witnesses at the takeoff area reported that the winds were 12 knots out of the northeast, which would have given the flight a quartering tailwind component for the takeoff. According to the flight manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind is 12 knots. The examination of the airplane failed to indicate any system malfunction or failure.

The single engine aircraft was completing a local skydiving mission at Okha Airport on behalf of the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Aeroklub. After takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 50 meters, the aircraft stalled and crashed in a snow covered field. Three skydivers were killed while all 12 other occupants were injured.

The single engine aircraft was engaged in a skydiving flight in the area of La Ferté-Gaucher. While cruising in the vicinity of the airfield, the aircraft collided with a skydiver, entered a dive and crashed. All three occupants were killed.

The single engine aircraft departed Lyon-Corbas Airfield on a local skydiving flight, carrying nine skydivers and one pilot. After takeoff, while in initial climb, the pilot encountered control problems. The aircraft stalled and crashed near the runway end. All 10 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The single engine aircraft departed Hassfurt for a local skydiving mission. After the pilot leveled off at the assigned altitude, the first skydiver jumped out of the cabin. For unknown reasons, he struck the tail, causing severe vibrations. As the pilot was unable to maintain the aircraft control, all occupants jumped out and the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. During the dive, the left wing separated due to excessive g-loads and the aircraft eventually crashed in an open field. Seven people were rescued, among them three were seriously injured. One skydiver was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

After dropping skydivers the pilot entered a descent to return to the airport for another load of jumpers. He was receiving radar advisories during the drop from a tracon controller. As the aircraft descended below 4,000 feet msl the controller terminated the radar advisory service. Immediately after the controller discontinued the service he asked the pilot to check for a stuck microphone switch. The aircraft continued its descent and collided with a camping trailer and building under construction in an extreme nose low attitude. The elevator trim was found in the full nose down position. No other malfunctions were found. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

After takeoff from Lens-Bénifontaine, while climbing to a height of 1,000 meters, the pilot initiated a turn to gain more altitude when the engine failed. The aircraft entered a dive and crashed in a stone-pit located near the airport. Two skydivers were seriously injured while eight other occupants were killed. A day later, one of the survivor died from his injuries.

The single engine aircraft departed Grenchen Airport on a local skydiving flight, carrying eight skydivers and one pilot. At the altitude of 1,000 meters, the instructor opened the door and the pilot stabilized the airplane and reduced the speed. The first skydiver bailed out and when the second skydiver was ready, the instructor realized his dorsal parachute bag was partially open and decided to push him outside the cabin. Immediately after, he heard a shock and saw that the horizontal stabilizer was damaged. It is believed that the first skydiver probably made an excessive traction on the strap which may cause the automatic open of the next skydiver. In such situation, all other skydivers and the instructor bailed out. The pilot attempted several times to stabilize the airplane but unable to reach Grenchen Aerodrome, he bailed out at a height of 300 meters. Out of control, the airplane crashed in an open field and was destroyed. All nine occupants were uninjured.

The twin engine airplane was engaged in a paratroopers/skydiving mission in the region of Flores. After all skydivers bailed out, the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. All three crew members were killed.