Deadly Snohomish plane crash was during test flight, says operating company

[@BH-vy5vw]

I flew a Caravan out of that nearest airfield for 2 seasons with Skydivers. Prior to that I flew for a couple different companies as a test pilot. I'm also an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. Where they impacted, it's not unusual to see a 208 drop down quickly as the descent after jumpers away is rapid. We'll have to wait to see the test profile. That could take awhile. Thoughts & prayers for the crews and their families.

[@danielmclaughlin9043]

Did you fly N9655B, 2014-15, or thereabouts?

[@BH-vy5vw]

@@danielmclaughlin9043 That was me.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

So sad that there have been so many experienced veteran pilots lost this past week!

[@FPVREVIEWS]

pilots did not have 10,000 test flight hours as stated. Plane should have had minimum crew. engineers were not supposed to be on board. GA is killing people all the time due to genuinely unsafe practices. FAA is concerned more about rule making and profit maximization for companies than safety or lives. FAA personal were present at the flight briefing recently where the B-17 was hit by a king cobra and 5 crew killed. They said nothing about the totally unsafe practices that were being planned, which violated all common operating practices, and were known to be dangerous, then let an unqualified individual act as air boss to direct and command the pilots during the airshow, resulting in the collision. Miracle that no one on the ground was hurt, but the pilots and passengers that should not have been there are all dead now. FAA, this is not safety. this is not promoting aviation. This is violating the mission of the FAA, and the congressional mandate. and is very wrong. time to replace the FAA with a better organization that is effective. Or there will be no GA.

[@BH-vy5vw]

Agreed. On a production test flight, you're only allowed minimum crew. If your in a single pilot aircraft (ie. Under 12,500 lbs. Not requiring a type rating or a qualified pilot with a single pilot type rating), There should only be the pilot onboard. After certification has been granted, I know that the engineers have been known to go along to run sensors for mods (such as new props, etc) And it's very difficult to get 10,000 "test flight hours". As a test pilot, I spent more time on the shop floor and meeting with engineers than I did flying. That being said, if they were just attempting to get base line readings prior to modification, the aircraft was in every way certified and legal beyond minimum crew, there is no reg that says that you can't perform a steep turn or a stall with passengers onboard. This why I say to hold speculation until the actual flight profile scheduled for that day is released. I have hundreds of hours flying the 208 and they don't just "fall apart" as people are describing. For example, the VnE on a 208 is 175 for indicated airspeed. The flap extension speed for 10 degrees of flaps is 175. The airplane is robust. I know because I've done it. We need to hear more before speculating.

[@57Jimmy]

From what I understand they were testing the plane with a new design of cargo pod requiring certification before being approved. KOMO 5 has a lengthy video showing the crash site and its wide spread debris field. Oddly enough what looks like both horizontal stabilizers, are within very close proximity with each other. Its been a really sh..ty week for aviation😢

[@Beltfedshooters]

My guess is something on the cargo pod broke off during the test and hit the rear elevator making control of the plane impossible. The plane then spiraled out of control and then broke up in mid air due to the extreme forces.

[@bernardanderson3758]

My condolences and prayers goes out to the families

[@57Jimmy]

John Nance. One of the most highly respected aviation gurus out there! Same with John Cox!

[@eradicator187]

I can only imagine their screams as the plane broke apart and fell from the sky. Rest in peace to them.

[@danielmclaughlin9043]

I think something on the experimental cargo pod, failed. Pretty hard for an experienced pilot to break a Caravan!

[@bernardanderson3758]

I’ve flown during Jump Runs in the 208 and at the point with the number of Fun jumpers aboard you best be way ahead of your airspeed especially at the higher altitude during the minute and seconds before jumpers away because things happen fast .

[@will1031]

Check all your repairs before testing, any aircraft

[@satguy]

We know that, and based on where the wreckage landed I have a pretty good idea as to what happened.

[@johnnydkota5709]

??

[@satguy]

@@johnnydkota5709 First, look at what they were testing. Second, look what parts fell where. That's simple accident investigation technique.

[@VLove-CFII]

They yanked the airplane around way too hard and fast in a turn and tore a wing off. The question is why. They should have had parachutes and an exit door as test pilots and no passengers

[@BH-vy5vw]

I respectfully can understand where you're coming from. There are other factors that you consider. In a 208. You're probably not going to be able to open the forward doors due to the relative wind pinning them shut. If you do manage to do it, you can take a blow to the face upon exit, strike to the body from the main landing gear. Emergency chutes don't have AADs' so you'd not be able to get a deployment unconscious. Let's wait for more info. Maneuvers. You wouldn't "yank" on test flights, especially on a baseline phase. It's gradually applied. We need to know what the profile was first.

[@joelgalvan8358]

John Denver, memorial flight. Remember to obey gravity. It's the law.

[@billyhillk5726]

After all the test flights I've ever done (helicopters), I've never had a parachute either 😱 🤣 Seriously, I have flown a 208 and that thing is a beast 👍 Solid airplane. I pray they rest in peace 🕊️🙏, and good hunting for NTSB.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

Test... .... ✈️🤸💥

[@KomodoKid]

did you know the right wing was next to a school