Incident Overview
On August 12, 2022, at approximately 07:30 local time, a Cessna 182 Q aircraft, registration HA-RAP, was conducting parachute training at Szolnok-Szandaszőlős Airport (LHSS). The flight was part of a static-line parachute training exercise. As the student parachutist exited the aircraft, the parachute deployed prematurely. The parachute lines became entangled with the right horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft, tearing off a portion of the elevator. The severed piece remained caught in the lines until the parachutist landed. Despite the damage, the aircraft and parachute remained controllable, and the landing was completed safely. No personal injuries occurred during the incident.
Aircraft and Damage
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 182 Q, serial number not specified. It sustained significant damage, specifically to the elevator section of the right horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft's controllability was not compromised to an extent that endangered the landing. The parachute system also remained functional.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was conducted by the Hungarian Transportation Safety Bureau (KBSZ). The direct cause of the incident was identified as improper handling of the pilot-chute by the instructor. Specifically, when the student positioned himself at the exit point of the aircraft, the parachute's harness became taut, causing the pilot-chute pin to be pulled prematurely, which opened the main canopy. No contributing factors or systemic issues were identified, and the investigation did not result in any safety recommendations.
Conclusion
The incident was a serious aircraft event resulting in significant damage to the aircraft but no injuries. The probable cause was the instructor's improper pilot-chute handling technique, which led to a premature parachute deployment and subsequent collision with the aircraft's tail.