Terrifying Video Shows Skydiver Dangling from Plane After Parachute Snags on Aircraft’s Tail

A skydiving stunt in Australia went terrifyingly wrong when a jumper’s reserve parachute became snagged on the tail of a plane, leaving them dangling mid-air before a daring escape.

The incident happened on September 20, when a Cessna Caravan took off from Tully Airport in Far North Queensland with 17 parachutists and a pilot for a 16-way formation jump organized by the Far North Freefall Club. The jump was being filmed at 15,000 feet.

As the jump began, one parachutist’s reserve chute accidentally caught on the aircraft’s wing flap, deploying prematurely and pulling the skydiver backward. Their legs struck the plane’s tail, causing significant damage and leaving the parachutist suspended beneath the aircraft.

Video released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) shows the harrowing moment. The pilot initially thought the plane had stalled, but was soon informed that a skydiver was hanging from the tail.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Meanwhile, the trapped skydiver used a hook knife to cut 11 lines from the reserve parachute, freeing themselves from the aircraft. Despite being tangled in the remaining lines and canopy, they managed to deploy their main parachute and landed safely, suffering only minor injuries.

Thirteen other parachutists exited the plane during the ordeal, while two remained in the doorway, witnessing the dramatic rescue. The pilot, wearing an emergency parachute as a precaution, declared a Mayday but was able to land the damaged plane safely.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stressed the importance of carrying a hook knife, noting it “could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment.” The investigation also found the plane was not properly loaded within its weight and balance envelope, though this did not contribute to the accident.