Fatal aircraft accident during skydiving flight in Picardie

9 fatalities • Laon-Chambry, France • Takeoff (climb)

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a swampy area shortly after takeoff during a skydiving mission, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

During a local skydiving operation conducted for the CERP of Picardie, a single-engine aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure during its initial climb. After departing from runway 35, the plane reached an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet when it suddenly rolled to the right. This maneuver led to an uncontrolled descent, and the aircraft subsequently impacted a swampy region situated roughly 1,500 meters east of the airfield.

Findings

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were nine fatalities among the occupants of the plane, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a right-hand roll during the climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-01 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Laon-Chambry, France?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into a swampy area shortly after takeoff during a skydiving mission, resulting in nine fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-11-01 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-01 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration F-GHXS, operated by Centre École Régional de Parachutisme de Picardie, at Laon-Chambry, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following a right-hand roll during the climb phase.

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