Skydiver dangles at 15,000 feet after parachute catches on plane’s tail in Australia

Australian investigators have released dramatic footage showing a skydiver’s near-fatal ordeal after his reserve parachute became entangled on an aircraft’s tail, leaving him suspended at 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) above ground.

The incident, which occurred on September 20 at Tully Airport in Queensland, involved experienced skydiver Adrian Ferguson who managed to cut himself free using a hook knife after becoming snagged on the Cessna Caravan’s tail section. Ferguson sustained only minor leg injuries despite the harrowing experience. The pilot and 16 other parachutists onboard escaped unharmed.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) published video evidence alongside its investigation report, detailing the sequence of events that led to the dangerous situation. According to investigators, the aircraft had reached the planned altitude for a 16-way formation jump, with a 17th parachutist positioned at an open door to record video of the others exiting the plane.

As Ferguson was exiting the aircraft, the ripcord of his reserve parachute accidentally snagged on a wing flap. This triggered an unintended deployment, violently jerking Ferguson backward. The sudden movement knocked the camera operator clear of the plane and into free fall.

Ferguson’s legs struck the horizontal stabilizer at the aircraft’s tail before his partially deployed reserve chute became entangled around it, leaving him dangling precariously from the aircraft as it continued its flight.

In what investigators described as remarkable presence of mind during an extreme emergency, Ferguson used his hook knife to cut through 11 lines of his reserve parachute, allowing himself to fall away from the aircraft with portions of the torn canopy. He then successfully deployed his main parachute, which fully inflated despite becoming partially entangled with remnants of the reserve chute, enabling him to land safely.

The emergency was far from over for those remaining on the aircraft. By this point, most skydivers had already jumped, leaving the pilot and two remaining parachutists to contend with a serious control issue as fragments of Ferguson’s reserve chute remained wrapped around the tail section, potentially compromising the aircraft’s stability.

The pilot issued a mayday call and prepared for the possibility of having to abandon the aircraft using an emergency parachute. However, air traffic controllers in Brisbane assessed that the pilot maintained sufficient control to attempt a landing at Tully Airport. The aircraft ultimately landed without further incident.

“This event highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness in skydiving operations,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell. “Carrying a hook knife — although it is not a regulatory requirement — could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment.”

The incident has prompted renewed attention to safety protocols within Australia’s skydiving community. Premature deployments, while rare, represent one of the most dangerous scenarios in parachuting, particularly when they occur in proximity to aircraft.

Australia’s skydiving industry, which attracts both tourists and sporting enthusiasts, maintains a generally strong safety record despite inherent risks. The Queensland region, where this incident occurred, is a popular destination for skydiving activities due to its favorable weather conditions and scenic coastal views.

The ATSB typically investigates several parachuting incidents annually, but entanglements with aircraft represent some of the most potentially catastrophic scenarios. The bureau’s investigation aims to identify any systemic issues that might require addressing through regulatory or procedural changes.

The video footage, now publicly available, serves as a powerful training tool for skydivers and a reminder of the value of carrying emergency equipment such as hook knives during jumps.