What happened
On July 31, 2011, a Cessna U206G was conducting a local parachute drop operation at an altitude of FL120 near the Hoevenen airfield in Belgium. As the final parachutist was exiting the aircraft, their reserve parachute deployed unexpectedly inside the cabin. The sudden inflation violently pulled the parachutist toward the rear of the aircraft, causing the parachute canopy to strike the airplane's horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
The impact caused the pilot to experience a significant shock and a temporary loss of pitch control. While the pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft, the elevator control became loose and the trim system became inoperative. The pilot, managing a heavy pitch-down tendency by adjusting engine power, declared an emergency and opted to land at runway 15. The landing was completed safely, and the parachutist landed without injury. Post-flight inspection revealed that the right-hand stabilizer was deformed and the right-hand elevator was partially torn away.
The investigation
The AAIU(Be) examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the parachute equipment. The investigation confirmed the Cessna U206G was airworthy and the pilot was highly experienced. Investigators focused on the mechanism of the premature deployment. While no pre-existing defects were found in the parachute itself, the investigation identified that a raised Velcro protection strap on the parachute container may have left the reserve parachute control cable exposed. It is believed that contact between this exposed cable and a protruding object on the cabin ceiling or door frame triggered the deployment.
Findings
- The accident was caused by the premently deployed reserve parachute.
- The deployment was likely triggered by inadvertent contact between the control cable and an object in the aircraft cabin.
- The aircraft's right-hand stabilizer and elevator sustained significant structural damage.
- The pilot successfully regained control and landed the aircraft safely despite the loss of trim and degraded elevator control.