On April 3, 1994, a Cessna 208 (registration N9421F) was involved in an aviation accident near Whitewright, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure that the number of jumpers exiting the aircraft simultaneously did not exceed the briefed limit, resulting in an inadvertent stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light aircraft stalled during sport parachute operations after too many jumpers attached themselves to the exterior, ignoring briefing instructions to limit exits to six at a time.
What happened
During routine sport parachute operations, the pilot experienced an inadvertent stall of the aircraft. The incident occurred because an excessive number of parachutists had attached themselves to the outside of the fuselage simultaneously. Although the jumpers had previously been briefed on safety protocols requiring them to limit the number of individuals exiting at one time to six, they disregarded these instructions.
As the group departed the aircraft, the sudden shift in weight and aerodynamic profile caused the stall. The pilot managed to regain control of the airplane during the recovery phase and executed a landing without further incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure that the number of jumpers exiting the aircraft simultaneously did not exceed the briefed limit, resulting in an inadvertent stall.
What happened in the 3 Apr 1994 Cessna 208 accident near Whitewright, TX?
A light aircraft stalled during sport parachute operations after too many jumpers attached themselves to the exterior, ignoring briefing instructions to limit exits to six at a time.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1994 involved a Cessna 208, registration N9421F, at Whitewright, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure that the number of jumpers exiting the aircraft simultaneously did not exceed the briefed limit, resulting in an inadvertent stall.
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