2009 Cessna U206G accident near Stadtlohn

Overview and flight details On 11 July 2009, a Cessna U206G operated for parachute-jumping activities was involved in an accident near Stadtlohn. The aircraft was a six-seat, single-engine, fixed-gear model, U.S.-certified, with serial number U20605278 and a maximum takeoff mass of 1,633 kg. It had been converted to turbine power in 1985 and was held by a German parachute school. The pilot, a 30-year-old German national, held a private pilot licence with ratings for Cessna SET, SE, and TMG, night operations, and flight instructor privileges, and had 1,260 hours of total experience. He was on his ninth drop flight of the day. ## Passenger and in-flight events A 48-year-old passenger had been allowed to join the flight as a guest after paying a fee. He was fitted with a student parachute system, including a Vigil automatic activation device (AAD). The pilot stated he had been told a passenger was aboard and assumed the AAD was switched off and that the passenger had received a briefing. After the three jumpers exited at 4,000 m AMSL, the pilot began the descent. During the approach to Stadtlohn, the passenger's reserve parachute opened and pulled him from the aircraft. The passenger landed in a field near Wesendorf, about 2.5 km east of the airfield, with the reserve canopy open. ## Aircraft condition and injuries The aircraft was damaged, with the rear door frame dented over an area of about 80 by 40 cm, and landed at the airfield. The passenger sustained multiple fractures of the cervical and thoracic spine, a head injury, and leg injuries. ## Investigation findings The BFU investigation examined the AAD, which can operate in PRO, STUDENT, or TANDEM modes. The source does not state the probable cause.