Originally Posted by
sycamore
I can only think of a few reasons to jump out of an aircraft if it wasn`t being `stunted and bunted` at the time;
loss of the prop which may take it out of the C of G envelope;may have broken engine mounts..
`Flutter` of the elevator/tailplane,although it looks like half the tailplane and both elevators are intact;
Massive fuel leak into the cockpit,assuming fuel tank is fwd of front seat..
And I`ve had experience of both the last two whilst testing for the PFA(as was)...
In general terms, and not specifically related to this accident, other potential reasons for abandoning an aircraft by parachute include jammed flight controls, disconnected flight controls, an onboard fire that will not extinguish, mid air collision, and for some types a failure to achieve correct landing gear lowering. Jammed flying controls due to a loose article is always high on my list of potential reasons.