Background
On the day of the accident, the airplane was operating parachuting flights. The pilot flew three lifts of jumpers to approximately 10,000 feet, each lasting about 30 minutes. The accident occurred during the fourth lift. The airplane had departed on its first lift with 30 gallons of fuel, and no additional fuel was added between the first and fourth lifts.
Flight Sequence
The airplane took off with five parachutists on board. During climb out, witnesses reported hearing smooth engine noise, followed by brief sputtering, and then a total loss of engine power. The airplane continued straight ahead at the same pitch attitude. Subsequently, the nose dropped, a parachutist exited, and the airplane entered a spiraling descent. Two more jumpers exited before ground contact.
Post-Accident Examination
At the accident scene, approximately 8 ounces of fuel were drained from the selected fuel tank. A leak test revealed no leaks. Examination of the airplane's fuel system showed that all components were operational with no pre-impact anomalies. A request for the jump club's standard operating procedures (SOP) revealed that no such document existed. The club operator reported that club operations were conducted at his direction.