Originally Posted by
cactusbusdrvr
Most likely he dropped the ramp to check the gear.
If it is true that the rear door cannot be opened from the cockpit, and if it is true that they were landing after a drop, (both previously reported) the door would have been open and the ramp down when the unfortunate pilot left his seat.
It's not unusual for jump aircraft to descend with the door open. There is usually no one left to close it.