What happened
On 27 June 2004, a Cessna U206F Stationair, registration G-BGED, was conducting aerial work for a parachuting school near Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon. The flight was carrying five passengers, including a jumpmaster and a tandem pair, for a scheduled parachute drop.
Shortly after departing at 1800 hrs, the aircraft's engine began to lose power. The pilot attempted to fly east, away from the airfield, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 1,100 ft agl. As the power loss continued, the pilot attempted a forced landing. During the descent, the aircraft clipped the tops of several tall trees before crashing steeply nose-down into a sloping grass field near Beacon Village.
The impact resulted in three fatalities and two serious injuries. The pilot, the jumpmaster, and one single parachutist lost their lives. The remaining two passengers sustained serious injuries, including pelvic fractures.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the cabin configuration of the aircraft. The Cessna U206F Stationair had been modified for parachuting operations, which included the removal of several seats and cargo doors to facilitate easier egress. The investigation noted that the passengers were seated on the floor of the cabin, unrestrained, and facing rearwards.
Analysis of the wreckage showed that the aircraft struck the ground with a high rate of descent and a 30-degree nose-down attitude. While the engine was producing low power at impact, the propeller blades showed no significant damage. Evidence of fuel leakage was observed from the right wing, though the exact cause of the power loss could not be definitively established through wreckage analysis alone.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during the flight.
- The pilot was unable to maintain altitude following the power loss, leading to a forced landing into trees and subsequently the ground.
- The passengers were unrestrained and seated on the cabin floor, which contributed to the severity of their injuries during the high-impact deceleration.
- The jumpmaster was found separate from the main wreckage, having likely been ejected or thrown from the aircraft during the impact.