Accident Overview
On July 28, 2012, about 1100 central daylight time, a Cessna 172D, registered as N8882X, was substantially damaged during a skydiving flight near Rose Hill, Kansas. The pilot reported no injuries, and all three skydivers parachuted to safety. The airplane was owned and operated by Myrtle Aviation, Inc., of Wichita, Kansas, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Details
The local flight departed from Cook Airfield (KK50) in Rose Hill, Kansas, approximately 1035. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane climbed to 11,500 feet mean sea level for the skydiving operation.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's accident report, a skydiver experienced an inadvertent deployment of his parachute while exiting the aircraft at 11,500 feet. He subsequently deployed his reserve parachute. The other two skydivers exited without incident. After all skydivers had left the airplane, the pilot observed damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. He configured the aircraft for landing, performed controllability checks, and completed an uneventful landing.
Damage Assessment
Post-accident examination revealed that the right stabilizer spar was bent. The parachute had struck the right horizontal stabilizer during the premature deployment, causing structural damage.
Conclusion
The accident involved a premature parachute deployment that impacted the tail of the aircraft. No further details were provided by the investigation source.