A skydiving stunt in Australia turned into a life-threatening ordeal when a parachutist became entangled in an aircraft mid-air, hanging thousands of meters above the ground before managing a daring escape.
A Stunt Takes an Unexpected Turn
The incident occurred in September 2025, south of Cairns, Queensland, during a planned skydiving formation involving 16 experienced parachutists. The group intended to perform a high-altitude stunt, jumping from 4,600 meters (approximately 15,000 feet) and forming a coordinated aerial formation.
However, the plan went awry almost immediately. According to local authorities, the first skydiver to jump faced an unexpected complication. During freefall, their reserve parachute deployed prematurely, striking the aircraft’s wing flap. This caused the parachute to become entangled around the tail of the small aircraft, leaving the skydiver hanging in mid-air.
A Life-Threatening Situation
For several tense moments, the parachutist dangled from the aircraft, their bright orange parachute wrapped tightly around the tail. Observers on the ground and fellow skydivers watched as the situation unfolded, knowing that any sudden movement could have had catastrophic consequences.
The skydiver, trained for emergencies, quickly took action. Using a knife, they cut the cords of the reserve parachute, freeing themselves from the tail of the plane. Once liberated, they deployed their main parachute and descended safely to the ground.
Damage to the Aircraft
The aircraft itself suffered damage during the incident, particularly to its tail section. Pilots reported that controlling the plane was challenging due to the parachute entanglement. Nevertheless, the pilot managed to make a careful landing without further incident, averting what could have been a far worse disaster.
Authorities have not released the identity, age, or experience level of the skydiver or any other individuals involved in the stunt. They described the incident as highly unusual and dangerous, emphasizing the importance of strict safety protocols during aerial performances.
The Risks of High-Altitude Skydiving
High-altitude skydiving carries inherent risks, including equipment failure, premature parachute deployment, and environmental factors like wind shear. Formation jumps, especially those involving multiple skydivers, require precise timing, coordination, and emergency planning.
According to the United States Parachute Association, accidents involving parachute entanglement with aircraft are extremely rare. Most skydiving accidents occur during landing or due to parachute malfunctions, rather than mid-air collisions with the aircraft itself.
Expert Commentary
Aviation safety experts noted that the pilot’s skill and the skydiver’s quick thinking were crucial in preventing fatalities. The fact that both the aircraft and the skydiver landed safely is remarkable, said one expert. This highlights the importance of emergency training and preparedness for all skydiving operations.
Looking Ahead
Incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports. Skydiving operators in Australia and worldwide continually update safety standards and training protocols to minimize accidents. While stunts and aerial displays captivate spectators, they also demand rigorous planning and strict adherence to safety measures.
Authorities are reportedly reviewing this incident to determine whether additional precautions could prevent similar events in the future. Meanwhile, the skydiving community has praised the individual’s courage and composure under extraordinary circumstances.
