What happened
On a day with clear visual meteorological conditions, a flight operated by Barron Aviation Private Flight Services, LLC, departed from Taylorville Municipal Airport (TAZ) at approximately 11:00. The aircraft, a Barron Aviation, LLC registered plane, was conducting a sport parachuting mission. During the flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 11,000 feet mean sea level. As the flight approached the designated drop zone, the twelve passengers prepared to exit by moving toward the rear of the cabin and positioning themselves near the open door.
While the passengers were preparing to jump, the aircraft's stall warning system activated. Following this warning, the plane experienced a sudden roll. The twelve parachutists managed to exit the aircraft safely, with some noting that the plane was already partially or fully inverted during their egress. The pilot remained inside the aircraft and did not exit.
Witnesses observed the aircraft in an inverted attitude, noting a brief moment of recovery before the plane entered a nearly vertical descent. The aircraft type impacted a tree and the ground within a residential neighborhood in Taylorville, Illinois. Although the impact caused substantial damage to the plane, there was no post-impact fire, though the presence of spilled fuel required the evacuation of nearby residents. The accident resulted in one fatality and zero injuries to the passengers or individuals on the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft's stall warning system alerted the occupants prior to the loss of control.
- The aircraft entered a nearly vertical dive following a sudden roll and stall warning.