What happened
On 7 January 2015, a Pacific Aerospace Limited 750XL was conducting tandem skydiving operations out of Taupō aerodrome. During the fourth flight of the day, the aircraft was in its climbing phase when the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engine experienced a sudden failure.
Following the loss of power, the pilot and the 12 parachutists on board elected to bail out of the aircraft. All 13 individuals successfully deployed their parachutes and reached the ground without sustaining serious injuries. The aircraft subsequently impacted Lake Taupō, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
Findings
- The primary event was a sudden failure of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engine during the climb.