# NTSB BFO91LA073: Beech H50, N171S, Hartwood, VA, July 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1991, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Hartwood, VA
- Coordinates: 38.400196, -77.539169 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4002&lon=-77.5392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 6 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11697
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA073
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11697/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA073

## Probable cause

THE PARACHUTIST FAILURE TO PROPERLY MONITOR AND SECURE HIS RELEASE HANDLE TO PROTECT AGAINST ACCIDENTAL PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,parachute/drag chute - entangled (cause)
  - miscellaneous equipment - improper use of, other crewmember (cause)
- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - flight control,stabilator - bent (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise

## Analysis

AS THE FIRST PARACHUTIST WAS PREPARING TO JUMP FROM THE WING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 12,000 FEET, HIS RESERVE PARACHUTE RELEASE HANDLE BECAME ATTACHED TO SOME PART OF THE AIRPLANE. BEFORE HE COULD REACT, THE PARACHUTE OPENED AND PULLED HIM FROM THE WING. THE PARTIALLY DEPLOYED CHUTE WRAPPED AROUND THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER, SLAMMING HIM AGAINST THE AIRCRAFT. THE RIGHT STABILIZER BROKE AWAY AND THE JUMPER DESCENDED TO A SAFE LANDING UNDER THE DEPLOYED CANOPY. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND LAND WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N171S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N171S-2011-06-08), registration cancelled 2011-06-08, S/N HH-125, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH H50
- Registry model: [Beech H50](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-h50) (registry code 1152534) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GSO&IGSO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-gso-igso-480-series) (registry code 41529, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: HH125
- Airframe hours: 3775
- Engines: LYCOMING IGSO-480 340 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Hartwood Aviation Inc
- Registered owner: Hartwood Aviation Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1991, 10 hours before
- Airport: 8W8, Somerville, runway 36, 2,500 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point -0 °F

## Other investigations on N171S (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC05FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05FA006), Oct 17, 2004: Beech H50 (N171S), Hartwood, VA, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, which resulted in an attempted takeoff with full flaps, and subsequent loss of control.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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