An Australian skydiver experienced a harrowing incident at 15,000 feet when his reserve parachute deployed unexpectedly and became entangled with the tail of the aircraft. This alarming event occurred during a group jump in September 2023 near Cairns, Far North Queensland, and was detailed in a recent report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Footage from the jump shows the moment the skydiver’s reserve parachute activated after its handle snagged on a wing flap. This resulted in a chaotic situation as he spun out of control beneath the aircraft, with the parachute canopy becoming caught on the tail. The group, which aimed to perform a 16-way formation, included a camera operator who filmed the jump. As the reserve parachute deployed, the skydiver collided with the cameraman, who was precariously positioned outside the plane.
Despite the chaos, three other members of the Far North Freefall Club continued with their planned jump. Suspended in a dangerous position beneath the aircraft, the skydiver remained remarkably composed. He used a “hook knife” to sever the lines of the reserve parachute, freeing himself from the entanglement. After cutting the lines, he successfully deployed his main parachute and landed safely.
Angus Mitchell, the chief commissioner of the ATSB, emphasized the importance of carrying a hook knife during skydiving. He stated, “Although it is not a regulatory requirement, carrying a hook knife could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment.”
The aircraft involved in the incident sustained significant damage to its tail, complicating the pilot’s ability to maintain control. Although the pilot issued a mayday call, he successfully landed the plane without further incident.
This incident has sparked renewed scrutiny regarding skydiving safety standards in Australia. Earlier this year, a court heard that critical safety checks were neglected prior to a tragic 2021 jump in New South Wales. In that incident, two individuals, Stephen Hoare, 37, and 32-year-old tandem passenger Alex Welling, became entangled with the aircraft and tragically fell to their deaths.
Following the 2021 incident, SafeWork NSW brought charges against the Goulburn Flight Training Centre and its sole director, Attilio Giovanni Ferrara, for allegedly failing to comply with workplace safety obligations. A lengthy trial revealed that the skydivers’ equipment had snagged on a metal step recently fitted to the Cessna aircraft. Ferrara maintained that there was a directive not to operate the Cessna until an engineering order regarding the step was completed.
As investigations continue into the safety protocols surrounding skydiving operations, the ATSB’s findings highlight the importance of proper equipment and adherence to safety regulations to prevent future accidents. The events of September serve as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the sport and the critical nature of preparedness and safety measures.
