Background
The pilot of a Grumman AG Cat permitted two parachutists to board the restricted-category aircraft for a parachute jumping flight. Each parachutist positioned himself on a wing, with his arm crooked around the respective wing center strut.
Accident
After takeoff, the parachutist on the right wing fell off and plunged to his death. Witnesses believed that the parachutist fell from an altitude of approximately 400 to 500 feet above ground level.
Investigation
An examination of the deceased parachutist's parachutes revealed that the main parachute had barely started to open, and the reserve parachute was not deployed. Witness testimony and a post-mortem exam of the deceased indicated that his right arm was weaker than his left arm due to a previous injury and surgery. The owner of the aircraft was not aware of, nor did he approve of, the use of the aircraft for parachute jumping.