Pilot, Skydivers Bail Out Of Damaged Jump Plane

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Key Takeaways:

  • All seven people aboard a turbine-powered Cessna 206 skydiving plane safely parachuted from 14,000 feet over Butler County, Missouri.
  • The incident was caused by a "premature parachute release" that fouled and possibly damaged the plane's tail, leading everyone, including the pilot, to exit before the plane crashed.
  • All individuals were treated and released, and the NTSB will be investigating the incident.
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All seven people aboard a turbine-powered Cessna 206 safely parachuted from a skydiving plane in Missouri on Saturday. The modified Cessna Super Skywagon, with a 550-horsepower Pratt & Whitney turboprop, was at 14,000 feet over Butler County when a “premature parachute release” fouled the tail and possibly damaged it. Everyone, including the pilot, got out before the plane crashed in a field.

The incident made headlines in Butler County and needed some explaining by authorities. “All parachuters on the plane exited prior to the pilot leaving the plane,” the Butler County Sheriff’s Office said in a second, updated news release. “We thought that would be evident by the line that says everyone was treated and released.” The NTSB will investigate.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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