A skydiver survived after being left dangling from a plane’s tail when their parachute snagged, using a hook knife to cut free before landing safely
SYDNEY: A skydiver survived a terrifying incident after their parachute snagged on an aircraft’s tail, leaving them dangling thousands of metres in the air.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released footage of the September stunt, which occurred south of Cairns, following its investigation.
The incident unfolded during a planned 16-way formation jump from 15,000 feet.
Video shows the skydiver’s reserve parachute activating after its handle caught on the plane’s wing flap.
The jumper was flung backwards, striking the aircraft, as the orange chute wrapped around the plane’s tail.
The impact also knocked a camera operator, who was straddling the aircraft’s side, into freefall.
The bureau’s report did not include the names, ages, or genders of those involved.
Footage shows the dangling skydiver placing their hands on their helmet as if in shock.
The jumper then used a hook knife to cut the reserve chute’s lines and free themself.
They subsequently deployed their main parachute and landed safely on the ground.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell highlighted the importance of carrying a hook knife.
“Carrying a hook knife — although it is not a regulatory requirement — could be lifesaving,” Mitchell said.
The aircraft’s tail sustained substantial damage, and the pilot issued a mayday distress call.
The pilot managed to land the plane safely despite having limited control. – AFP
