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Skydiver Rescues Himself After Parachute Tangles Plane Tail

12/12/2025

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On September 20, Adrian Ferguson (the skydiver) had his reserve parachute deploy and become tangled in a Cessna 208 Caravan's tail, prompting an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation.
Ferguson used a knife to cut the tangled lines, enabling his main parachute deployment and a safe landing with minor injuries.
The incident damaged the aircraft's tail, and the pilot declared an emergency but landed the plane safely.

History

Historical Context

The Cessna 208 Caravan, first flown in 1982 and certified in 1984, transformed small aircraft design with its capacity for up to nine passengers. By 2022, over 3,000 units had been delivered, serving various roles including skydiving. Adrian Ferguson's recent incident, where his parachute tangled with the aircraft's tail, highlights ongoing safety concerns that may lead to stricter regulations in aviation and skydiving.

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Story summary

On September 20, Adrian Ferguson (the skydiver) had his reserve parachute deploy and become tangled in a Cessna 208 Caravan's tail, prompting an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation.
Ferguson used a knife to cut the tangled lines, enabling his main parachute deployment and a safe landing with minor injuries.
The incident damaged the aircraft's tail, and the pilot declared an emergency but landed the plane safely.

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