A Shocking Moment in the Skies
A training jump over Far North Queensland turned into a terrifying emergency when a skydiver’s reserve parachute accidentally deployed and wrapped around a plane’s tail.
As seen in the video, the skydiver was preparing to jump when the handle of his reserve chute snagged on the aircraft’s left horizontal stabiliser. Within seconds, the chute deployed and left him hanging dangerously from the back of the plane.
Caught by the Tail at 15,000 Feet
The incident happened near Tully Airport as the Cessna Caravan climbed to altitude. The reserve parachute lines twisted tightly around the stabiliser, leaving the man swinging violently in the wind.
Other skydivers in the aircraft could only watch in shock as he struggled to free himself while the plane continued flying forward.
Pilot Feels the Aircraft Suddenly Pitch Up
Inside the cockpit, the pilot felt the aircraft sharply pitch upward and the speed drop. Not knowing a parachutist was trapped outside, he believed the plane was stalling.
He pushed the control column forward and increased power in an attempt to correct the problem. Meanwhile, thirteen skydivers quickly jumped out to lighten the aircraft and avoid further danger.
Fight for Survival at High Altitude
Still stuck on the tail, the skydiver desperately tried to regain control of the situation. The reserve chute was heavily tangled, and the strong wind made every movement difficult.
The man eventually pulled out a knife and cut 11 lines from the parachute, causing it to tear. Once the lines snapped, he slipped free from the aircraft and immediately deployed his main parachute.
Safe Landing After a Terrifying Ordeal
The skydiver landed safely with only minor injuries, joining the others on the ground. Meanwhile, the pilot—who still struggled to stabilise the aircraft—declared a mayday call as a precaution.
After descending roughly 2,500 feet, he finally regained enough control to continue flying and made a safe landing at the airport.
Investigation Begins After Dramatic Footage Emerges
The ATSB later confirmed that one of the 17 skydivers on board had been filming the entire event and handed the footage to investigators.
The video clearly showed how quickly the situation developed and how close the skydiver came to losing his grip. Authorities are now examining the equipment and aircraft position to better understand what led to the sudden snag.
A Rare Mid-Air Emergency
The dramatic scene has since spread widely online, surprising viewers with its intensity and the skydiver’s calm reaction.
The quick actions of both the pilot and the skydiver helped prevent a far worse outcome on 20 September, making this one of the most unforgettable airborne incidents in recent years.
Watch the video here:
@7newsaustralia The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released vision of a near midair disaster, involving skydivers in far north Queensland in September earlier this year. A light plane took off from Tully Airport, south of Cairns, on September 20 with 17 parachutists on board. The group had been planning on completing a 16-way formation jump filmed by a parachuting camera operator. However, when the first parachutist stepped up to the open roller door, the handle of his reserve parachute snagged, accidentally deployed and pulled him out of the plane, hitting another man on the way out. The quick-thinking parachuter used a hook knife to cut 11 lines from the reserve parachute before it tore free from the plane. #skydive #parachute #ATSB #Queensland
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