On July 12, 2015, about 1010 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 210-5A, N315EC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power during climbout from Eagles Nest Airport (31E), West Creek, New Jersey. The commercial pilot and 3 passengers were not injured, and 1 passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the skydiving flight. The airplane was owned by Seasky27 Productions LLC and operated by Skydive East Coast under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Category: C-205
On December 4, 2014, about 1100 eastern standard time (EST), a Cessna 205, N90461, was force landed in a farm field following a total loss of engine power during initial climb from Sussex Airport, Sussex, New Jersey (FWN).
Inside video of the accident.
The pilot said that he normally flew the airplane with the fuel selector positioned to the right main fuel tank during skydiving operations. However, on the day of the accident, maintenance was performed on the airplane, and three engine run-ups were performed using the left main fuel tank.
Witnesses observed the airplane depart to the north, and experience a partial loss of power during the takeoff climb. The airplane then began a turn to the left, and initiated what appeared to be a right base entry for a landing on runway 20. The airplane continued the turn, past 270 degrees, and as it flew beyond the end of the runway, the engine appeared to regain power and the airplane began a climb.
The airplane departed on a parachuting flight with 5 parachutists on board. Several witnesses reported hearing the airplane during climb out. Each witness described smooth engine noise, brief ‘sputtering,’ and then a total loss of engine power. The airplane descended straight ahead at the same pitch attitude, then the nose dropped, a parachutist exited, and the airplane entered a spiraling descent.
A passenger-parachutist stated she had exited the cabin and was on the jump platform preparing to jump from about 3,500 feet when the left wing and nose dropped and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. After an unknown number of revolutions she jumped from the aircraft and deployed her chute
Aircraft was attempting to land by use of vehicle lights. The aircraft touched down in soft terrain to the right of the runway and nosed over.