WATCH: Skydiver Cuts Himself Free After Parachute Snag on Plane
Midair skydiving videos typically showcase breathtaking views—but a recent jump over Queensland’s Mission Beach turned into a heart-stopping ordeal. Australia’s transport safety watchdog has released footage of a Sept. 20 incident in which an experienced skydiver was dragged out of a Cessna Caravan after the handle of his reserve parachute snagged on a wing flap, according to ABC Australia. The jump was part of a large formation event from roughly 15,000 feet, involving 17 skydivers aiming for a 16-way formation.
Video from both the skydiver’s camera and one mounted on the plane shows the reserve parachute deploying prematurely, yanking him out of the aircraft and leaving the canopy tangled on the tail. Another parachutist tumbled out amid the chaos. Suspended from the plane, the entangled jumper used a hook knife to cut himself free, dropped into free fall, deployed his main parachute, and landed with only minor injuries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported he had to cut through 11 lines to escape.
ATSB chief Angus Mitchell said the canopy, caught on the tail, “pitched up” the aircraft, sharply slowing it and damaging the tail, which led the pilot to believe the plane had stalled. Once aware that a skydiver was hanging from the tail, the pilot carefully adjusted power, maintained level flight, and declared a mayday to Brisbane air traffic control while preparing his own emergency parachute. Thirteen skydivers exited safely; two remained on board as the pilot executed a cautious descent and landed safely in Tully.
Investigators noted that the aircraft had not been verified within weight-and-balance limits, a regulatory issue not considered a direct cause of the incident. They also found the pilot had not used supplemental oxygen at the flight altitude, which is required to prevent hypoxia. The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) is now creating guidance for load masters on emergency responsibilities. The agency also noted that the chute’s handle design may increase snagging risk if not properly secured.
APF CEO Stephen Porter credited both the jumper’s training and composure, and the pilot’s emergency preparation and response, for preventing what could have been a tragedy.
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