An Australian skydiver faced a life-threatening situation when his reserve parachute deployed prematurely during a group jump, becoming tangled on the tail of the aircraft at 15,000 feet. The incident, which occurred near Cairns in Far North Queensland, has been detailed in a report released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Footage from the skydive in September 2023 captured the moment the skydiver’s reserve chute activated after its handle snagged on a wing flap. This unexpected deployment sent him spiraling beneath the aircraft, where his parachute became entangled with the plane’s tail. The group had intended to perform a 16-way formation and had a camera operator recording the event. In the chaos, the skydiver collided with the cameraman, who was precariously positioned outside the plane.
Despite the alarming circumstances, three members of the Far North Freefall Club continued with their jump. Suspended below the aircraft, the skydiver remained remarkably calm. He managed to retrieve a “hook knife” from his gear and cut through the reserve lines, freeing himself. After doing so, he successfully deployed his main parachute and executed a safe landing.
Angus Mitchell, Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, emphasized the importance of carrying a hook knife, stating, “Although it is not a regulatory requirement, it could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment.”
The aircraft sustained significant damage; the ATSB report indicated that the tail was “substantially damaged,” complicating control for the pilot. Following the incident, the pilot issued a mayday call but safely landed the plane without further incident.
This alarming near-miss has reignited discussions around skydiving safety standards in Australia. Earlier this year, a court case revealed that crucial safety checks were neglected prior to a tragic jump in New South Wales. In that incident, two men, Stephen Hoare, aged 37, and Alex Welling, a 32-year-old tandem passenger, encountered similar difficulties when their gear became caught on an aircraft component, resulting in their deaths.
In response, SafeWork NSW has brought charges against the Goulburn Flight Training Centre and its director, Attilio Giovanni Ferrara, for allegedly failing to meet workplace safety obligations. During a lengthy trial, it was revealed that the skydivers’ equipment snagged on a metal step recently fitted to the Cessna aircraft. However, Ferrara contended that there was an existing directive prohibiting flights until an engineering order related to the step was completed.
As skydiving continues to be a popular activity, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. The ATSB’s findings may prompt further scrutiny and potential changes in regulations to ensure the safety of skydivers across the country.
