Pilatus PC-6 crashes in Italy after accidental parachute deployment

Casualties unknown • Cecina (LI), IT

A Pilatus PC-6 aircraft crashed near Cecina, killing two pilots, after an accidental reserve parachute deployment caused the loss of the horizontal stabilizer.

What happened

On June 11, 2016, at approximately 10:30 UTC, a Pilatus PC-6, registration S5-CMB, was performing skydiving operations at the "Porta della Maremma" airfield in Cecina, Italy. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and seven skydivers, including tandem pairs and videographers.

During the jump sequence, the first skydiver to exit experienced an accidental deployment of their reserve parachute while still inside the aircraft. The force of the deployment dragged the skydaries out of the plane, causing them to strike the right side of the horizontal stabilizer. The impact resulted in the complete detachment of the horizontal stabilizer, causing the aircraft to lose all flight control.

As the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, the skydivers aboard abandoned the plane. The aircraft fell for approximately two minutes before impacting a cultivated field. The two pilots sustained fatal injuries upon impact. The skydiver involved in the initial deployment survived with a head injury, while the remaining six passengers landed safely.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the loss of the horizontal stabilizer due to the impact of a skydiver being dragged into the tail assembly by an accidentally deployed reserve parachute. This was triggered by mechanical interference between the aircraft seat and the parachute closing system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null Pilatus PC-6 accident near Cecina (LI), IT?

A Pilatus PC-6 aircraft crashed near Cecina, killing two pilots, after an accidental reserve parachute deployment caused the loss of the horizontal stabilizer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a Pilatus PC-6, registration S5-CMB, at Cecina (LI), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the loss of the horizontal stabilizer due to the impact of a skydiver being dragged into the tail assembly by an accidentally deployed reserve parachute. This was triggered by mechanical interference between the aircraft seat and the parachute closing system.

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