Terrifying Moments in Australia: Skydiver Left Hanging from Aircraft Tail at Thousands of Metres
Official footage released in Australia has revealed the dramatic moments when a skydiver was left suspended in mid-air at thousands of metres after his reserve parachute became entangled with an aircraft’s tail. The skydiver miraculously survived the incident, which occurred in September.
Footage released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has laid bare one of the most dangerous scenarios that can occur in aviation and skydiving. During a demonstration held south of Cairns in September, a skydiver’s reserve parachute caught on the aircraft’s wing flap, deployed prematurely, and then became wrapped around the aircraft’s tail.
At an altitude of approximately 4,600 metres, the skydiver was left hanging behind the aircraft thousands of metres above the ground. The footage was shared with the public following the ATSB’s investigation.
Demonstration Flight Turned into Chaos
According to the authorities’ report, a planned group skydive involving 16 people was to be carried out with a cameraman accompanying the jump to film it. However, complete loss of control occurred just seconds after the first jumper reached the aircraft’s exit door.
In the video released by the ATSB, it can be seen that the jumper’s reserve parachute handle became caught in the aircraft’s flap mechanism, causing the reserve parachute to deploy unintentionally. The deploying parachute forced the jumper backwards, with his legs striking the aircraft, and the orange-coloured reserve parachute becoming entangled around the aircraft’s tail.
Cameraman Also Thrown into Freefall
According to the report, the skydiver—whose name, age and gender were not disclosed—also inadvertently forced the camera operator, who was preparing to jump from the side of the aircraft, into freefall. The footage shows the jumper placing his hands on his helmet in shock for several seconds.
Life-Saving Reflex: Cutting the Parachute Lines
Authorities stated that while the skydiver was swinging behind the aircraft, he used a hook knife he was carrying to cut the lines of the reserve parachute, thereby freeing himself. He then deployed his main parachute and managed to land safely.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell made the following assessment regarding the incident:
“While carrying a hook or curved knife is not a legal requirement, it can be life-saving in situations such as the premature deployment of a reserve parachute.”
Aircraft Damaged, Emergency Landing Made
It was reported that the aircraft’s tail section was seriously damaged during the incident. The pilot declared that he had only limited control of the aircraft and issued a call for emergency assistance. Despite all the difficulties, the aircraft was landed safely.
Authorities stated that reviews of skydiving procedures and equipment safety are continuing following the incident.
