What happened
On 8 August 2015, a Cessna 182L, registration EI-CDP, was conducting aerial work near Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly. The aircraft was carrying a pilot, a jumpmaster, and two students for a series of static line parachute jumps.
While flying at 3,500 ft, the first student exited the aircraft via the right-hand undercarriage step. Shortly after the student released from the wing strut, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-up and a roll to the right, entering a spin. The student, experiencing a sudden jerk, realized their uninflated canopy had become caught on the aircraft's right-hand horizontal stabilizer. The student successfully performed a 'cut-away' of the main canopy and deployed their reserve parachute, landing safely in the drop zone.
The pilot managed to recover the aircraft from the spin by 1,000 ft and subsequently landed the aircraft at Clonbullogue Airfield without further incident. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers, though the aircraft's empennage sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the flight history, interviewed the pilot and jumpmaster, and inspected the damaged aircraft and parachute equipment. The investigation focused on the sequence of the student's exit and the behavior of the static line system.
Investigators looked into the mechanics of the deployment, specifically how the deployment bag (D-Bag) and lines interacted with the aircraft structure. The inspection of the student's equipment revealed that the main canopy's suspension lines had been severed and parts of the release system were missing. The investigation also reviewed the packing standards and procedures used by the parachute club.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aircraft's control upset was the entanglement of the main canopy and lines with the right-hand horizontal stabilizer.
- The deployment of the D-Bag and the main canopy occurred prematurely and in very close proximity to the aircraft's tail.
- It is believed that the D-Bag and lines likely fell from the container just as the student was preparing to release from the wing strut.
- There was evidence of variations in parachute packing standards within the club.
- The student's rapid decision to cut away the entangled main canopy prevented further loss of control and ensured the safety of the occupants.