Skydiver survives terrifying ordeal after reserve parachute wraps around plane’s tail

A skydiver narrowly escaped tragedy when their reserve parachute accidentally deployed and became tangled around the tail of an aircraft during a jump in Far North Queensland, forcing a dramatic emergency landing and prompting an investigation by the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau (ATSB).

The incident occurred on September 20, 2025, shortly after a Cessna Caravan took off from Tully Airport carrying 17 parachutists and a pilot for a planned 16-way formation skydive from 15,000 feet. It was the third load of the day for the Far North Freefall Club (FNFF), according to the newly released ATSB report.

As the aircraft reached altitude, the pilot reduced speed to 85 knots and signalled the jump. But as the first skydiver moved toward the exit, the handle of their reserve chute snagged on the wing flap, triggering an unintended deployment.

The reserve parachute’s pilot chute was pulled free, violently yanking the skydiver backwards. Their legs slammed into the aircraft’s left horizontal stabiliser—causing significant damage—before the rapidly deploying canopy wrapped itself around the tail, leaving the skydiver dangling beneath the plane.

The deploying chute also struck a camera operator, knocking them into freefall and causing a minor injury.

The pilot immediately experienced severe control vibrations and required strong forward pressure on the controls to keep the aircraft straight and level. Investigators later determined that the forward trim became jammed for the remainder of the flight.

As the aircraft shuddered through the sky, 13 parachutists bailed out, while two remained in the doorway watching the trapped skydiver struggle beneath the tail.

Footage recorded during the incident shows the moment the chute snags, the stabiliser buckles, and the skydiver is left suspended while the pilot fights to maintain control.

Hanging in the slipstream, the experienced skydiver—who had logged more than 2,000 jumps—used a hook knife to cut 11 lines from the reserve canopy. Despite the difficulty, they freed themselves in just 50 seconds.

After dropping into freefall, the skydiver deployed their main parachute, which briefly tangled in the shredded reserve before opening successfully. They miraculously landed with only minor injuries, later reporting cuts and bruises to their lower legs.

The ATSB report detailed the chain of events and highlighted safety considerations for skydiving operators and aircraft crews involved in formation jumps.