Photo: Australian Transport and Safety Bureau
A skydiver's routine jump turned into a terrifying ordeal when his reserve parachute accidentally deployed and became entangled around the tail of the plane. The incident occurred on September 20 during a 16-way formation skydive organized by the Far North Freefall Club in Far North Queensland. The group had taken off from Tully Airport in a Cessna Caravan, with 17 parachutists and a pilot on board.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the skydiver's reserve parachute handle snagged on the wing flap as he exited the plane, causing the chute to deploy prematurely. This sudden deployment dragged the skydiver backward, striking the aircraft’s left horizontal stabilizer and damaging it. The parachute wrapped around the stabilizer, leaving the skydiver suspended below the aircraft.
The pilot initially thought the aircraft had stalled due to the sudden pitch change and decreasing airspeed. Upon realizing the situation, the pilot reduced power and declared a Mayday. Thirteen parachutists exited the aircraft while two remained to assist. The skydiver used a hook knife to cut 11 lines from the reserve parachute, freeing himself from the aircraft.
Once free, the skydiver descended into freefall and managed to deploy his main parachute, despite it becoming tangled with the remaining lines of the reserve chute. He landed safely with only minor injuries, including cuts and bruises to his legs. The pilot, wearing an emergency parachute, successfully landed the damaged aircraft.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasized the importance of carrying a hook knife during jumps, noting its potential to save lives in emergencies. The investigation also revealed that the aircraft was not loaded within its weight and balance envelope, though this did not contribute to the accident.