On November 8, 1997, a DE Havilland DHC-6-6 (registration N1022S) operated by Emerald Coast Skydiving Center was involved in an aviation accident near Elberta, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a passenger's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 31-year-old parachutist, after being instructed to allow the jump master to notify the pilot about a smoke canister, walked into the left side engine propeller during boarding of 17 jumpers.
Incident Details
During the loading of 17 parachutists onto an aircraft, a 31-year-old male parachutist informed the loader/jump master that he intended to bring a smoke canister on the airplane and that the pilot should be notified. The loader/jump master instructed the parachutist that notifying the pilot was the loader's responsibility and told the parachutist to simply board the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The loader began boarding the jumpers and proceeded forward to inform the pilot about the smoke canister. Despite the loader's instructions, the parachutist walked from the rear left area of the aircraft directly toward the cockpit door, where the loader and pilot were located. Several people shouted at the parachutist, but he continued forward and walked into the left side engine propeller.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Nov 1997 DE Havilland DHC-6-6 accident near Elberta, AL?
A 31-year-old parachutist, after being instructed to allow the jump master to notify the pilot about a smoke canister, walked into the left side engine propeller during boarding of 17 jumpers.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Nov 1997 involved a DE Havilland DHC-6-6, registration N1022S, operated by Emerald Coast Skydiving Center, at Elberta, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a passenger's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller.
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