Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadvertent stall when too many parachutist hung on the outside of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During sport parachute operations the aircraft inadvertently stalled when too many jumpers attached themselves on the outside of the aircraft. The jumpers had been briefed on limiting the number to exit at one time to six; however, they ignored these instructions. As they departed the aircraft the pilot regained control and landed without further incident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 3, 1994, at 1830 central daylight time, a Cessna 208, N9421F, sustained minor damage and 2 of the 15 skydivers aboard sustained injuries, one minor and one serious, following a loss of control near Whitewright, Texas. The airplane was flown by an airline transport pilot during visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The pilot stated to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that the airplane stalled while maneuvering for a parachute drop at 14,000 feet mean sea level. During the stall, two of the eight skydivers that were holding onto the outside of the airplane sustained injuries when they let go and impacted the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot further stated that the jumpers had been briefed on limiting the number to exit at one time to six; however, they ignored these instructions. The pilot reported, during an interview with the investigator in charge, that she "regained control of the aircraft and landed without incident." -