A skydiver in Queensland, Australia, narrowly escaped death after their reserve parachute became entangled in the wing of a Cessna 208 aircraft, leaving them suspended in mid-air at thousands of feet, according to a report released on Thursday by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). Dramatic camera footage from the incident has since surfaced, showing the terrifying moments from multiple angles, similar to the skydiver incident in Cairns that drew widespread attention.
Incident Overview
The event took place on 20 September during a skydiving session in Queensland. Sixteen parachutists were preparing to jump from a Cessna 208 in formation when the accident occurred. The ATSB report did not disclose the identities of those involved.
Investigators reviewing camera footage revealed that as the first skydiver jumped, the handle of their reserve parachute caught on the plane’s left wing flap. The sudden deployment of the parachute caused a collision with another skydiver, propelling them both into freefall. The first skydiver then became trapped on the plane’s tail stabilizer, dangling hundreds of feet above the ground.
High-Altitude Drama
The incident occurred at approximately 15,000 feet, a height at which even minor mishaps can prove fatal. The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft while the trapped skydiver clung to the tail. Meanwhile, the remaining thirteen skydivers continued their jumps safely, passing by the dangling individual on their way down.
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Following this, the last two skydivers aboard also exited the aircraft after the person trapped in the tail was freed. Remarkably, there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported.
Pilot Response and Aircraft Safety
According to the ATSB report, the pilot initially did not realize the full extent of the incident. They noticed an unusual upward motion of the plane and a sudden decrease in speed. Wearing an emergency parachute as a precaution, the pilot considered abandoning the aircraft but ultimately managed to land safely.
The report praised the pilot’s quick thinking, highlighting that maintaining control of the aircraft under such extraordinary circumstances was crucial to preventing a far more serious accident.
Context and Skydiving Safety
While skydiving accidents are rare, incidents involving parachute entanglement with aircraft are particularly uncommon and potentially fatal. The ATSB emphasizes the importance of strict pre-jump checks and maintaining safe separation between jumpers during formation jumps.
Australia has a growing recreational skydiving community, with thousands participating each year. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates these activities and mandates strict safety protocols, including the use of reserve parachutes, aircraft maintenance checks, and experienced pilot oversight.
Lessons Learned
This incident underscores the risks of aerial sports even under professional supervision. The ATSB report highlights that thorough safety procedures, quick pilot response, and proper emergency equipment can make the difference between life and death.
Footage from the event, widely circulated on social media, has sparked renewed discussions about skydiving safety and emergency preparedness. Experts note that while skydiving remains statistically safe, unexpected incidents like parachute entanglement are reminders of the importance of vigilance and professional training.
