Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW91FA072

FENTRESS, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N6172B

CESSNA 182A

Analysis

SUBSEQUENT TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE SKYDIVERS, THE AIRPLANE ENTERED A SPIRAL DESCENT. THE JUMP DOOR, NOT THE SKY MOTIVE JUMP DOOR LISTED ON THE AIRPLANE'S FORM 337, WHICH HAD BEEN APPROVED BY AN FAA INSPECTOR, ENTERED A FLUTTER CONDITION. THE PILOT DOOR, WINDSHIELD AND PILOT DOOR WINDOW SEPARATED DURING THE DESCENT. THIS FLUTTER CONDITION AND SEPARATION OF COMPONENTS RESULTED IN THE PILOT BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL THE AIRPLANE. IMPACT OCCURRED IN A 20 TO 30 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE IN APPROXIMATELY A 65 DEGREE LEFT ANGLE OF BANK.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE IMPROPER MAJOR MODIFICATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE OPERATOR, AND THE RESULTANT SEPARATION OF THE DOOR, WINDOW AND WINDSHIELD. A FACTOR WAS THE INSTALLATION OF A NON APPROVED JUMP DOOR.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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