Single-engine aircraft crash during skydiving mission near Hassfurt

1 fatality • Hassfurt, Germany • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed in an open field following a mid-air collision between a skydiver and the aircraft tail, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

A flight departing from Hassfurt for a scheduled skydiving operation ended in a fatal accident after a member of the jump crew collided with the plane. After reaching the designated altitude, the initial skydiver exited the cabin; however, during the exit, the individual struck the tail section of the aircraft. This impact triggered intense vibrations throughout the airframe.

As the pilot struggled to regain control of the single-engine aircraft, all remaining passengers evacuated the cabin. The aircraft subsequently entered an uncontrolled descent. During this period of rapid descent, the left wing failed and separated from the fuselage due to extreme g-loads. The aircraft ultimately impacted an open field, resulting in the total destruction of the plane.

Findings

Emergency responders located seven survivors at the crash site. Among the rescued individuals, three sustained serious injuries. The incident resulted in one fatality, specifically a skydiver involved in the initial collision.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered structural failure and loss of control after a skydiver struck the tail section during exit.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-05-17 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Hassfurt, Germany?

A single-engine aircraft crashed in an open field following a mid-air collision between a skydiver and the aircraft tail, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-05-17 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-05-17 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration D-FFBZ, operated by FSZ Hassfurt - Fallschirm Sport Zentrum, at Hassfurt, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered structural failure and loss of control after a skydiver struck the tail section during exit.

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