Accident Summary
On August 1, 2010, at approximately 1420 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F (registration N4976E) operated by Frontier Skydivers, Inc., was substantially damaged when it struck trees during the initial climb after takeoff from Hollands International Airport (85N) in Newfane, New York. The certificated commercial pilot and four passengers sustained minor injuries, while one passenger was killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local skydiving flight, conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Details
The pilot reported completing seven or eight uneventful flights prior to the accident. On the accident flight, the occupants included a jump instructor, a student parachutist, a videographer, and two additional experienced jumpers. The two experienced jumpers planned to exit the aircraft at 5,000 feet, while the instructor intended to conduct a tandem jump with the student from 12,500 feet.
Departure was from runway 25, a 2,875-foot-long, 75-foot-wide turf runway. The airplane accelerated and lifted off normally. During rotation, the jump door on the right side of the aircraft opened. The pilot stated he was not concerned about the door, noting it would not critically impact performance. One of the experienced parachutists attempted to secure the door; the pilot yelled for him to stop. The parachutist persisted, eventually leaning partially outside the aircraft. The pilot physically grabbed the parachutist to pull him back in. This distraction caused the airplane to veer left toward trees at low airspeed, subsequently impacting a stand of trees and the ground.
Aircraft and Examination
The airplane came to rest inverted in a wooded area; the cabin roof and empennage separated. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and a representative from the airframe manufacturer revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot reported the airplane performed as expected without mechanical issues. The jump door, hinged to open upward, was found separated and in the latched position, with distortion from impact damage. The videographer noted the door was checked before takeoff and appeared secure.
The aircraft had logged approximately 55 hours since its last annual inspection on July 1, 2010.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial certificate with 3,985 total flight hours, including 559 hours in the same make and model. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on April 27, 2010.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at an airport about 12 miles southwest at 1353 indicated wind from 110 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 4,800 feet, scattered clouds at 12,000 and 25,000 feet, temperature 28°C, dew point 16°C, and altimeter 29.98 inHg.