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2 fatalities

Parachute Opens in Cockpit, Resulting in Crash That Kills Two (HB-FMC)

Breitscheid, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On April 8, 2000, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration HB-FMC) operated by Imaginair was involved in an aviation accident near Breitscheid, Germany during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on final approach after the parachute of a passenger mistakenly opened in the cockpit and the passenger was caught outside the cabin and collided with the elevators. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane on a skydiving flight crashed after a passenger's parachute mistakenly opened in the cockpit, causing the passenger to be pulled outside and collide with the elevators. The aircraft lost control and hit the ground short of the runway, killing both occupants.

The Flight

A single-engine airplane departed from Breitscheid Airfield for a local skydiving flight. After reaching the appropriate altitude, 11 skydivers exited the aircraft, and the pilot returned to the airfield with one remaining passenger on board.

The Accident

During the final approach at an altitude of approximately 280 metres, the passenger's parachute mistakenly opened inside the cockpit. The parachute deployed, pulling the passenger out of the cabin. The passenger became caught outside the aircraft and collided with the elevators. This collision caused the airplane to go out of control. The aircraft crashed in an open field located 1,500 metres short of the threshold of runway 07.

Aftermath

The aircraft was totally destroyed in the crash. The pilot and the passenger were killed.

Probable cause

Loss of control on final approach after the parachute of a passenger mistakenly opened in the cockpit and the passenger was caught outside the cabin and collided with the elevators.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 2000 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Breitscheid, Germany?

A single-engine airplane on a skydiving flight crashed after a passenger's parachute mistakenly opened in the cockpit, causing the passenger to be pulled outside and collide with the elevators. The aircraft lost control and hit the ground short of the runway, killing both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 2000 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 2000 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration HB-FMC, operated by Imaginair, at Breitscheid, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control on final approach after the parachute of a passenger mistakenly opened in the cockpit and the passenger was caught outside the cabin and collided with the elevators.

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