Newly released footage from Australian authorities captures the tense moment a skydiver was left dangling thousands of metres above the ground after their parachute became snagged on a plane’s tail.
The incident occurred south of Cairns during a September stunt but was only disclosed after an investigation by the transport safety watchdog. A planned 16-way formation at 15,000 feet (4,600 metres), filmed by a dedicated camera skydiver, unravelled almost immediately as the first jumper approached the aircraft door.
According to a video published by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the skydiver’s reserve chute deployed prematurely when its handle caught on the plane’s wing flap. The sudden activation yanked the jumper backwards, slamming their legs against the aircraft as the bright orange canopy wrapped around the tail.
The force of the mishap also knocked the camera operator—positioned on the edge of the plane and preparing to jump—into an unplanned freefall, the bureau reported. The skydiver appeared momentarily stunned, placing their hands on their helmet.
Suspended above an enormous drop, the skydiver used a hook knife to cut away the tangled reserve lines and managed to free themself before deploying their main parachute and descending safely.
“Carrying a hook knife, though not required by regulation, can be lifesaving during an unexpected reserve parachute deployment,” said Angus Mitchell, the bureau’s chief commissioner.
The aircraft itself sustained “substantial damage” to its tail. With limited control, the pilot issued a mayday call but still succeeded in bringing the plane down safely.
Related Topics :
‘Stories from the Sky’ Brightens AlUla’s Evenings
AlUla Sky Features in NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
