Casualties unknown

Skydiver Strikes Horizontal Stabilizer After Jumping Up During Exit (N205TC)

Lodi, CA, US

On August 22, 2006, a Beech 99 (registration N205TC) was involved in an aviation accident near Lodi, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the skydiver to correctly follow procedures and directives on exiting the airplane properly, which resulted in his collision with the horizontal stabilizer. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A skydiver jumped up and out of an airplane instead of dropping low, impacting the horizontal stabilizer. His automatic deployment system activated. He had been warned previously.

Incident Overview

A skydiver exited an airplane by jumping up and outward, rather than dropping out of the exit and maintaining a low trajectory. During this maneuver, he impacted the horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft and then fell away from the leading edge. The skydiver's automatic deployment system subsequently activated, deploying the parachute.

Prior Warnings

The skydiver had been warned by other skydivers the day before the incident when he exited in a similar manner. Additionally, just prior to the exit on the day of the incident, he was instructed to stay low and not to jump up.

Outcome

The parachute opened after the automatic deployment system engaged. No further details about the skydiver's condition or the aircraft are provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061006X01479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.