Skydiver Dangles from Plane at 15,000 Feet After Reserve Parachute Snags on Aircraft Tail in Australia

A routine skydiving formation jump over Australia turned into a life-threatening emergency when a skydiver's reserve parachute accidentally deployed and left him dangling from the aircraft's tail at 15,000 feet above the ground. The dramatic incident occurred on September 20 near Tully Airport in Far North Queensland, involving skydiver Adrian Ferguson and 16 other parachutists aboard a Cessna Caravan. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released video footage and their final investigation report on Thursday, revealing the harrowing details of what could have been a fatal accident. Ferguson was the first of 17 skydivers preparing to execute a 16-way formation jump when disaster struck. As he exited the aircraft, the handle of his reserve parachute became snagged on the plane's wing flap, causing the chute to deploy prematurely. The sudden deployment jerked Ferguson backward, knocking a camera operator into free fall and pulling Ferguson himself into the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer. The dramatic video shows Ferguson suspended beneath the Cessna, dangling by parachute lines as the aircraft pitched upward. The pilot, initially thinking the plane had stalled, declared a mayday to air traffic control and reduced power while working to maintain stable flight control. In a display of quick thinking and preparedness, Ferguson used a hook knife to methodically cut through the 11 parachute lines one by one, freeing himself in less than a minute. The hook knife, while not a regulatory requirement, proved to be lifesaving equipment in this emergency situation. "Carrying a hook knife – although it is not a regulatory requirement – could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment," said Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell in the agency's news release. After cutting himself free from the aircraft, Ferguson faced another challenge when his main parachute became tangled with remnants of the reserve canopy. However, he was able to untangle the lines, gain control of his descent, and land safely, sustaining only minor leg injuries. The incident affected the entire group of skydivers aboard the aircraft. Thirteen of the remaining parachutists successfully exited the plane after Ferguson freed himself, while the pilot and all other jumpers remained unharmed throughout the ordeal. The investigation highlighted the importance of proper safety equipment and procedures in skydiving operations. While reserve parachute deployments are designed as safety measures, premature activation can create dangerous situations, particularly when multiple jumpers are involved in formation activities. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in extreme sports and the critical importance of safety preparedness. Ferguson's quick action with the hook knife and his ability to manage the subsequent parachute entanglement likely saved his life and prevented what could have been a much more serious aviation accident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's investigation and video release provide valuable insights for the skydiving community worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper equipment and emergency response training in high-risk aerial activities.