Skydiver Left Dangling at 15,000 Feet After Parachute Snags on Plane Wing

A skydiver was left hanging from a plane at 15,000 feet after his reserve parachute caught on the aircraft’s wing during a jump in Australia. The incident happened south of Cairns in September. It was confirmed this week after a report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The main keyword is skydiver.

According to the bureau, the man was one of 17 parachutists preparing for a formation jump. The jump took a dangerous turn the moment he exited the aircraft.

Skydiver Incident Raises Safety Concerns

The accident began when the skydiver’s reserve parachute handle snagged on the wing flap. This caused the chute to open too early. The man was then pulled backward and left dangling behind the plane. According to Reuters, the pilot did not know what happened at first. He thought the aircraft had stalled.

The video released by investigators showed the bright orange chute wrapped around the wing. The skydiver struggled to stay steady. A camera operator near the exit was also knocked off balance. The scene looked chaotic and tense.

The skydiver used a hook knife to cut the tangled lines. The tool helped him free himself from the plane. He then deployed his main parachute and landed safely. The bureau said the hook knife is not required by rules. But the chief commissioner noted that it can save lives in moments like this.

The aircraft’s tail was badly damaged. The pilot had trouble controlling the plane. He issued a mayday call. Despite the limited control, he landed safely. No one on board was hurt.

How the Skydiver Managed to Survive the Dangerous Flight

The bureau explained that the group planned a 16-way formation. They wanted to record the jump as part of a stunt. The first skydiver to exit was the one caught in the accident. His chute deployed at the wrong time due to the snag.

Skydiving experts say premature deployment is rare but very dangerous. It can pull a person back into the aircraft structure. It can also strike other jumpers. In this case, the man reacted fast. Cutting the reserve lines was the only way to survive. Once free, he had enough height to deploy his main chute.

The report also said the pilot saw the sudden drag on the aircraft. He did not know a skydiver was hanging from the tail. The crew informed him moments later. By then, the plane had already slowed due to the pull. The safe landing was seen as a skilled response under pressure.

Wider Impact and What Comes Next

The bureau said it will continue to look at safety practices for formation jumps. Training for reserve chute deployment may also be reviewed. Skydiving groups often share accident footage to train others.

The incident reminds the industry how fast a routine jump can turn risky. It also shows how simple tools, like a hook knife, can save lives. The skydiver walked away without injury. The aircraft went in for repairs soon after.

This skydiver incident shows how one small snag can put many lives at risk. It also shows how quick action can prevent tragedy. Safety steps will likely change after this case.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the skydiver to get stuck?

His reserve parachute handle caught on the plane’s wing flap. This made the chute deploy too early. It pulled him back toward the aircraft.

Q2: How high was the skydiver when the incident happened?

He was about 15,000 feet in the air. This gave him time to react. It also gave him time to deploy the main parachute.

Q3: Did the skydiver survive?

Yes. He used a hook knife to cut the tangled lines. He then opened his main parachute and landed safely.

Q4: Was the plane damaged?

Yes. The tail was heavily damaged. The pilot landed despite the issues.

Q5: Who investigated the incident?

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau carried out the investigation. Their report confirmed all major details.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Associated Press.