1 fatality

2010-02-12: PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation (D-FGOJ) — GoJump — Cascais, Portugal

Cascais, PortugalLanding (descent or approach)

On February 12, 2010, a PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation (registration D-FGOJ) operated by GoJump was involved in an aviation accident near Cascais, Portugal during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Aircraft and crew hijacked in flight by a 'photographer'. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781196261Data APIEditorial standards

A photographer onboard a local skydiving flight hijacked the aircraft, forcing skydivers to jump and diverting to Cascais-Tires Airport, where the suspect died by suicide after the pilot escaped.

Incident Overview

An aircraft departed Evora Airport in the afternoon for a local skydiving flight. The flight carried two skydivers, one photographer, and a pilot.

Sequence of Events

Minutes after takeoff, the photographer produced a weapon and ordered the two skydivers to jump from the aircraft. After they exited the cabin, the photographer threatened the pilot and ordered a diversion to Cascais-Tires Airport. The pilot complied. Upon landing at Cascais-Tires Airport, the aircraft veered off the runway, lost its undercarriage, and came to rest in a grassy area near the apron.

Outcome

The pilot was able to escape from the aircraft. The photographer shot himself and died at the scene. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, with both wings partially sheared off.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be that the aircraft and crew were hijacked in flight by a 'photographer'.