Re: 206 Crash into Dam West of Ipswich
G'day SID,
When using the 206 for skydive ops you gain a bit of useable load by removing the 5 extra seats, not much though. You can fit 6 skydivers plus pilot provided all skydivers have an approved single point restraint attached during takeoff, landing and flight below 1,000' AGL. One point we always had to be aware of was that during the takeoff, the rear most jumpers would generally lean fwd as much as possible to keep the C of G balanced. Probably because the rear most jumper during the climb would have actually been sitting in what is the luggage station of the cabin.
A mate of mine actually had an engine failure at height in a 206 many years ago. Skydivers all exited ok and my friend managed to land safely albeit with a windshield covered in oil and a con rod hanging out of the crank case.
I had many jumps and flying hours in a 206 in skydiving ops. My sincere condolonces to all concerned.