What happened
The incident occurred during a skydiving operation involving a student jumper. As the jump was underway, a parachute line from the student became entangled with the horizontal stabilizer and the elevator trim tab. This mechanical interference caused an immediate loss of control over the aircraft's pitch and trim.
According to the pilot's account, the airplane rapidly became uncontrollable and entered a flat spin. The aerodynamic forces generated by the entanglement prevented any corrective inputs from restoring stability. With the aircraft in a spin that could not be arrested, the pilot made the decision to abandon the aircraft.
The pilot and the other jumpers on board exited the aircraft using their parachutes. The unattended airplane continued its descent and crashed into a wooded area. There were no reports of structural failure prior to the entanglement, and the crash was solely attributed to the control surface blockage.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage and pilot statements confirmed that the primary cause of the accident was the physical obstruction of the elevator trim tab by the parachute line. This entanglement rendered the pitch control ineffective, leading directly to the spin condition from which recovery was impossible.
Findings
The critical factor in this accident was the entanglement of a parachute line with the aircraft's flight controls. The incident highlights the risks associated with skydiving operations where loose lines can interact with external aircraft components. The pilot's inability to recover from the spin was a direct result of the mechanical jamming caused by the entanglement.
Safety message
Skydiving operators and pilots must ensure that all parachute lines are securely managed and cleared of any potential entanglement hazards with the aircraft's control surfaces, particularly during the deployment phase. Regular checks for line clearance are essential to prevent similar incidents.