Interim Report Published into Skydiving Accident Near Clonbullogue
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) have published an Interim Statement regarding their investigation into the accident involving a Cessna 208B, G-KNYS Near Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly on 13th May 2018. The nine-page report outlines the current findings of the investigation. As the final report is not ready for publication, Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO) requires that an interim statement be issued. So far the investigation has found that the trailing edge flaps were extended to approximately 20 degrees at the time of the accident and that the engine was producing power on impact. A data acquisition unit that was on-board has been downloaded and this is currently being matched up with radar data, CCTV cameras from a local wind farm and cameras worn by the Skydivers as they exited the aircraft.
The main areas of the Investigation include (but are not limited to) the following:
- The general operation of the aircraft and the analysis and correlation of all information.
- The lease of the aircraft and the piloting arrangements associated with the lease.
- The oversight of parachuting operations in Ireland.
- The carriage of a passenger on board an aircraft engaged in parachute operations.
The Investigation is ongoing and a Final Report will be published in due course. The full interim statement can be read here.
Photo above via AAIU Preliminary Report 2018 – 008