Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadvertent deployment of the parachute because of the jumpmaster's inattention to the static line.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A student sport parachutist was preparing for a static line jump. The parachute inadvertently deployed as he was moving into jump position, outside of the airplane. Canopy static lines caught on the horizontal stabilizer, twisting the empennage. The jumpmaster stated that no malfunctions were discovered during a post accident examination of the parachute. A sport parachuting instructor stated that an inadvertent parachute deployment is possible during the jumpers move into position outside of the airplane. The static line may catch on the airplane structure, or be held too tightly by the instructor, resulting in an inadvertent deployment.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 30, 1994, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182B, N2673G, collided with parachute canopy lines, during maneuvering flight near Ellijay, Georgia. The airplane was operated by Sky Dive North Georgia, Inc., for the sport parachute flight, under 14 CFR Part 105, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. There were no injuries to the commercial pilot, the jumpmaster, nor the student jumper. A flight plan was not filed for the local flight. Origination of the flight was the Gilmer County Airport, Ellijay, Georgia, about 15 minutes prior to the accident. The airplane was at 3,000 feet, in straight and level flight, in preparation for a static line jump by a student. The pilot reported that as the student jumper was positioning himself outside the airplane for the static line jump, the parachute inadvertently deployed. The jumpmaster then directed the student to jump. According to the pilot, the canopy risers caught on the horizontal stabilizer, bending the tip down almost 90 degrees. The airplane was then landed, uneventfully. A telephone conversation was held with the jumpmaster on May 2, 1994. He stated that no malfunctions were discovered with the parachute. A sport parachute instructor was consulted. He stated that an inadvertent canopy opening can occur with a static line jump, if the line catches on the aircraft structure. Or, an inadvertent parachute deployment can also occur if the static line is held too tightly by the jumpmaster, as the student moves into position outside the airplane. -