SYDNEY: Dramatic footage released by Australian authorities on Thursday captured the moment a skydiver ended up dangling from the tail of an aircraft thousands of metres above the ground after their reserve parachute became entangled during a high-altitude stunt.
The incident occurred in September during a planned 16-way formation skydive south of Cairns but has only now been made public following an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The jumper miraculously survived.
Reserve Parachute Snags Plane, Throwing Jumper Backwards
According to the ATSB report, chaos unfolded just seconds after the first participant moved to exit the aircraft at 15,000 feet (4,600 metres). Video released by the bureau shows the skydiver’s reserve parachute accidentally deploying when its activation handle caught on the plane’s wing flap.
The sudden jolt flung the jumper backwards, causing their legs to smash into the aircraft as the fully opened orange reserve chute wrapped itself around the plane’s tail. The force of the mishap also knocked a camera operator—who was positioned on the edge of the aircraft preparing to jump—into an unexpected freefall.
Footage shows the suspended skydiver pausing with both hands on their helmet, appearing momentarily stunned as they hung precariously over an open drop.
Hook Knife Saves the Day
The ATSB said the skydiver managed to regain control by using a hook knife to cut the tangled reserve lines—an action that freed them from the aircraft. Moments later, they deployed their main parachute and completed a safe landing on the ground.
“Carrying a hook knife, while not required by regulation, can be lifesaving when a reserve parachute deploys prematurely,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell noted.
Plane Suffers Major Damage but Lands Safely
The aircraft did not escape unscathed. The reserve chute caused significant damage to the tail, leaving the pilot with limited control. The pilot issued a mayday call but was ultimately able to bring the aircraft down safely despite the compromised stabilisation systems.
The ATSB report did not disclose the identities of those involved.
