All Aboard Only Slightly Injured

The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident involving a Cessna TU206C aircraft that experienced engine problems August 13 during a skydiving flight. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage in the off-airport landing, those on board suffered only minor injuries.

According to the report, the airplane, registered to the pilot and operated by Gypsy Moth Skydive LLC of Benton, Kansas, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a loss of engine power while maneuvering in the vicinity of Skiatook, Oklahoma. All seven occupants, the private pilot and six passengers (parachutists), sustained minor injuries. The local flight was being operated under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91 and the intent was to climb to altitude and dispatch the 6 parachutists. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Skiatook Municipal Airport (2F6), Skiatook, Oklahoma, about 1030.

According to the FAA, the airplane had departed 2F6 and was climbing through about 1,000 feet AGL when the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane toward an open grassy field and avoided several rural buildings just prior to landing. The airplane landed hard in the field, resulting in structural buckling to the fuselage and empennage, and separation of the nose gear assembly. All of the occupants exited the airplane and several were treated at a local hospital.

(Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov