Incident Overview
A skydiving flight experienced a critical in-flight event when a parachutist's main parachute deployed prematurely, leading to structural failure and loss of control. The aircraft had climbed to 10,000 feet mean sea level for the fourth and final jump of the day.
Sequence of Events
The first skydiver, positioned on the right wing strut, inadvertently deployed his own packed main parachute. The parachute and/or the skydiver struck the right horizontal stabilizer. Subsequently, both stabilizers (the empennage) separated from the airplane.
Actions of Occupants
The second skydiver reported that he had one foot on the wheel step and the other inside the door when the parachute deployed. He described the airplane as gyrating and being pressed against the lower wing surface, but he managed to free himself. The pilot stated that shortly after the first skydiver exited, he felt a "thud" and the airplane began reacting violently. Despite attempts, the pilot could not regain control. He and the third skydiver were slammed around inside as the aircraft continued to gyrate. The pilot exited by pulling himself to the door. The third skydiver did not exit the aircraft.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no preaccident anomalies, indicating that the aircraft was mechanically sound prior to the event.
Outcome
The aircraft crashed after the pilot and second skydiver had exited. The third skydiver remained onboard and did not escape.