FlightFinder
Check my flight
1 fatality

Skydiver Strikes Propeller in Midair During Formation Jump (N125PM)

Fentress, TX, US

On May 27, 2001, a DE Havilland DHC-6 TWIN OTTER (registration N125PM) operated by Phillip Chappell was involved in an aviation accident near Fentress, TX. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the King Air pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision in that he failed to remain in the agreed on formation position, resulting in one of his skydiver's contacting the propeller of the de Havilland airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A skydiver from a Beech King Air 90 struck the propeller of a de Havilland DHC-6 during a formation skydive. The injured jumper was caught by another skydiver but the reserve parachute was cut by the propeller.

Sequence of Events

Two aircraft, a de Havilland DHC-6 and a Beech King Air 90, were conducting a formation skydiving flight at 14,000 feet mean sea level. The DHC-6 was designated as the lead aircraft, with the King Air following in trail. As the skydivers prepared to exit, the King Air was traveling faster than the DHC-6, requiring its pilot to pitch up and bank right to avoid a collision. During this maneuver, the King Air pilot lost sight of the DHC-6.

Collision and Rescue Attempt

Video footage captured by a skydiver showed that at the moment of exit, the King Air was positioned above, to the right, and ahead of the DHC-6. One of the skydivers from the King Air made contact with the right propeller of the DHC-6. Other skydivers observed the injured jumper spinning uncontrollably. One of them managed to catch the injured skydiver and deployed the reserve parachute, but the parachute failed to fully inflate because it had been cut by the propeller. The injured skydiver subsequently fell to the ground.

Aircraft Landing

Both airplanes landed without further incident. The operator noted that this was the first formation skydiving flight for either pilot in a multi-engine aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 2001 DE Havilland DHC-6 TWIN OTTER accident near Fentress, TX?

A skydiver from a Beech King Air 90 struck the propeller of a de Havilland DHC-6 during a formation skydive. The injured jumper was caught by another skydiver but the reserve parachute was cut by the propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 May 2001 DE Havilland DHC-6 TWIN OTTER accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 2001 involved a DE Havilland DHC-6 TWIN OTTER, registration N125PM, operated by Phillip Chappell, at Fentress, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the King Air pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision in that he failed to remain in the agreed on formation position, resulting in one of his skydiver's contacting the propeller of the de Havilland airplane. A contributing factor was the lack of total experience of both pilots in multiengine formation air drop…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010601X01046. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.