What happened
On June 8, 2025, at approximately 12:20 central daylight time, a DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N166DH, was performing a Part 91 skydiving flight near Tullahoma, Tennessee. During the takeoff from runway 24 at Tullahoma Regional Airport (THA), the pilot reported a normal departure and raised the flaps after clearing obstacles.
While attempting to synchronize the propellers at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the pilot experienced asymmetrical thrust and unusual control feedback. Although engine gauges did not initially indicate a loss of power, the pilot observed the aircraft's nose drop, altitude level off, and airspeed decrease. The pilot identified that the left engine had lost power.
Following engine-out procedures, the pilot attempted a left turn to return to the airport for a landing on runway 36. The pilot applied flaps but could not confirm if the left engine had been secured. Despite efforts to maintain airspeed above the single-engine minimum control speed (Vmc), the aircraft continued to descend. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing in a field, where the aircraft struck two trees. The impact caused the left wing, left engine, and tail section to separate from the airframe, though the aircraft remained upright and no post-impact fire occurred.
There were 6 serious injuries among the pilot and passengers, while 15 passengers were not injured.