On May 4, 1991, a Cessna 182A (registration N6172B) operated by Sky Dive San Marcos, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fentress, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flutter condition and separation of components resulted in the pilot being unable to control the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After skydivers departed, the airplane entered a spiral descent. The jump door (not the approved Sky Motive door) fluttered, causing separation of the pilot door, windshield, and pilot door window. The pilot lost control, leading to impact.
Accident Overview
Following the departure of skydivers from the airplane, the aircraft entered a spiral descent. During this descent, the jump door—which was not the Sky Motive jump door listed on the airplane's FAA-approved Form 337—developed a flutter condition. This flutter led to the separation of the pilot door, windshield, and pilot door window.
Loss of Control and Impact
The flutter and subsequent separation of components rendered the pilot unable to control the airplane. The aircraft impacted terrain in a 20- to 30-degree nose-low attitude with approximately 65 degrees of left bank.
Probable cause
The flutter condition and separation of components resulted in the pilot being unable to control the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 May 1991 Cessna 182A accident near Fentress, TX?
After skydivers departed, the airplane entered a spiral descent. The jump door (not the approved Sky Motive door) fluttered, causing separation of the pilot door, windshield, and pilot door window. The pilot lost control, leading to impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 May 1991 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N6172B, operated by Sky Dive San Marcos, Inc., at Fentress, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The flutter condition and separation of components resulted in the pilot being unable to control the airplane.
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