Dramatic escape as skydiver’s parachute snags on plane at 15,000ft

A heart-stopping skydiving accident caught on video has captured the moment a jumper’s reserve chute snagged on the launch plane’s tail over a Queensland beach.

A heart-stopping skydiving accident caught on video has captured the moment a jumper’s reserve chute got snagged on the launch aircraft’s tail plane over Mission Beach and what he had to do to get free.

The skydiver’s reserve parachute became snagged on the tail of their Cessna Caravan during a jump run departing Tully airstrip with a pilot and 17 parachutists planning for a 16-way formation jump filmed by a parachuting camera operator.

After the aircraft climbed to about 15,000ft, the pilot signalled to the parachutists to exit.

The camera operator stepped out onto a small step and held on to the fuselage outside and aft of the cabin door.

A skydiving camera operator has had a lucky escape after his parachute deployed before jumping out of a plane at Tully, Far North Queensland. Photo: Supplied.

As the first skydiver stepped out the door, a reserve parachute inadvertently deployed

and snagged on the tail which left the parachutist Adrian Ferguson dragging behind the plane.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the incident, on September 20, forced the pilot to make significant control inputs to maintain level flight.

A skydiver’s reserve parachute became snagged on the tail of their Cessna Caravan during a jump run over Tully Airport on September 20, 2025, with a pilot and 17 parachutists, planning for a 16-way formation jump filmed by a parachuting camera operator. Photo: Supplied.

“The pilot recalled feeling the aircraft suddenly pitch up, and observed the airspeed rapidly decreasing,” Mr Mitchell explained.

Meanwhile, 13 parachutists exited the aircraft while two remained in the doorway, watching the snagged parachutist use a knife to cut reserve parachute lines and tear free.

He then deployed his main parachute, which tangled with the remnants of the reserve parachute, but was able to untangle himself and land safely.

As a result of the incident, the Far North FreeFall Skydive Club, which is based in Tully, made the carrying of a hooked knife a mandatory requirement during all jumps.

The pilot maintained speed and put in a mayday call to Brisbane Centre Air Traffic Control, but was able to land safely at the Tully airstrip.

A pilot had to make 'significant control inputs to maintain level flight' after a skydiver'€™s reserve parachute became snagged on the tail of their Cessna Caravan during a jump run over Tully Airport in September 2025. Photo: Supplied.

“In difficult circumstances, the pilot managed to control the aircraft and land safely at Tully,” he said.

Mr Mitchell said the event reminds parachutists of the importance of being mindful of their handles, especially when exiting the aircraft.

“Carrying a hook knife – although it is not a regulatory requirement – could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment,” he said.

While it did not contribute to this accident, the ATSB’s investigation also found the pilot and aircraft operator did not ensure the aircraft was loaded within its weight and balance envelope.

At the time, Australian large formation skydive organisation Aussie Bigwigs, launched a GoFundMe page to support skydiver Mr Ferguson who was injured in the incident.

He required stitches for minor injuries and was placed on six weeks medical leave.

Originally published as Dramatic escape as skydiver’s parachute snags on plane at 15,000ft