No fatalities

Parachutist Seriously Injured After Contact With Airplane Propeller (N9347B)

Pawtucket, RI, US

On September 29, 2002, a Cessna 208B (registration N9347B) operated by Boston-providence Skydiving Center was involved in an aviation accident near Pawtucket, RI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The parachutist's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in contact with the operating propeller of a parked airplane. 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.

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

A parachutist who had just landed was seriously injured when her parachute became entangled in an airplane's propeller while the aircraft was parked on the ramp with the engine running.

Incident Description

After completing a parachute drop flight, the airplane taxied back to the ramp area and parked with the engine running while the next group of parachutists boarded. During this time, a parachutist who had just landed contacted the propeller and sustained a serious injury.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported observing the parachutist descending toward the airplane without altering her course. One witness stated he "tackled" the parachutist to the ground; however, the parachute became entangled in the airplane's propeller and subsequently dragged the parachutist into the propeller.

Parachutist Experience

The parachutist had completed an estimated 18 prior jumps, which included 4 jumps at the accident airport.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at the airport, about the time of the accident, were calm.

All Cessna 208 Caravan accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 2002 Cessna 208B accident near Pawtucket, RI?

A parachutist who had just landed was seriously injured when her parachute became entangled in an airplane's propeller while the aircraft was parked on the ramp with the engine running.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 2002 Cessna 208B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 2002 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N9347B, operated by Boston-providence Skydiving Center, at Pawtucket, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The parachutist's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in contact with the operating propeller of a parked airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021002X05256. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.