Skydiver Rescued After Parachute Snags Plane Tail at 15,000 Feet

On September 20, 2023, a skydiving incident in Queensland, Australia, involved a parachutist whose reserve parachute became entangled in the tail of a Cessna 208 Caravan, leaving him suspended at an altitude of 15,000 feet. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and 17 parachutists, including a camera operator, who were preparing for a 16-person formation jump over Tully Airport. The incident was documented by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which released video footage and a detailed report.

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As the first skydiver, Adrian Ferguson, exited the plane, the handle of his reserve parachute snagged on a wing flap, causing it to deploy prematurely. This unexpected deployment yanked Ferguson backward, colliding with the plane's horizontal stabilizer and knocking the camera operator into free fall. The reserve parachute then wrapped around the stabilizer, leaving Ferguson dangling below the aircraft.

Skydiver’s Chute Snags on Plane’s Tail, Leaving Him Dangling; Watch How He Saves Himself

The pilot, initially unaware of the situation, felt the aircraft pitch upward and noticed a rapid decrease in airspeed, leading him to believe the plane had stalled. Upon learning that a skydiver was entangled, he attempted to stabilize the aircraft while 13 other parachutists exited safely. Two remained in the doorway, observing Ferguson as he used a hook knife to cut through 11 lines of the reserve parachute, allowing it to tear free after approximately 50 seconds. Ferguson then deployed his main parachute, which became partially tangled but functioned adequately for a safe descent.

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The pilot, who was equipped with an emergency parachute, prepared to bail out if necessary but ultimately managed to land the aircraft safely at Tully Airport despite the damage to the tail. The incident resulted in structural damage to the plane's horizontal stabilizer, which still had remnants of the reserve parachute attached.

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In light of the incident, the Far North Freefall Club, which organized the jump, has mandated that all parachutists carry a hook knife, emphasizing its potential life-saving benefits in similar situations. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell highlighted the importance of skydivers being mindful of their equipment handles during exits, stating, “Carrying a hook knife — although it is not a regulatory requirement — could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment.”

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All individuals involved in the incident, including Ferguson and the camera operator, landed safely with only minor injuries reported. The ATSB's investigation underscores the critical nature of safety protocols in skydiving and the need for proper equipment to mitigate risks during such high-stakes activities.

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