Dramatic footage from Australian authorities shows a skydiver hanging in mid-air after a parachute caught on a plane’s tail. The incident happened south of Cairns during a stunt in September. Officials released the video only after the transport safety investigation ended.
A group planned a 16-way formation jump from 15,000 feet. The stunt collapsed within seconds when the first jumper moved toward the exit. A handle on the jumper’s reserve parachute snagged the aircraft’s wing flap and triggered the reserve chute.
The force flung the skydiver backward, and their legs hit the aircraft. The reserve chute wrapped around the plane’s tail. The motion also knocked the camera operator into freefall. The safety bureau said the skydiver paused with both hands on their helmet, appearing shocked.
Hanging thousands of metres above the ground, the jumper used a hook knife to cut the reserve lines. They freed themself and deployed the main chute. They landed safely a short time later.
Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said a hook knife, though not required, can save lives during premature reserve deployments. The plane suffered heavy tail damage, and the pilot sent a mayday call. Despite limited control, the pilot landed the aircraft safely.
