Skydiver dangles from plane at 15,000ft in dramatic new footage of parachute snag
Dramatic video of the moment a skydiver’s parachute snagged on the aircraft’s wing has been released as part of an air safety investigation. WATCH
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released heart-stopping footage of the moment a skydiver’s reserve parachute snagged on the aircraft from which he was jumping, leaving him dangling 15,000ft above ground.
The video is part of the final report on the incident on September 20 this year at Tully in far north Queensland.
A Cessna Caravan had climbed to 15,000ft in preparation for a 16-way formation jump involving 17 parachutists including a camera operator.
As the first parachutist climbed out of the aircraft’s roller door, the handle for his reserve parachute snagged on the wing flap deploying the chute inadvertently.
The parachutist was dragged suddenly backwards into the left horizontal stabiliser, causing substantial damage, and leaving the man suspended below the plane.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the pilot recalled feeling the aircraft suddenly pitch up, and saw the airspeed rapidly decreasing.
“Initially unaware of what had occurred, the pilot believed the aircraft had stalled, and pushed forward on the control column and applied some power in response. But upon being told there was a skydiver hung up on the tailplane, they reduced power again,” said Mr Mitchell.
As the pilot focused on maintaining level flight, 13 other parachutists exited the plane, and two remained in the doorway watching the snagged parachutist.
Fortunately, he had a hook knife which he used to cut 11 lines from the reserve parachute, allowing the remaining chute to tear and freeing him from the aircraft.
He was then able to release the main parachute which fully inflated, despite being tangled in the remaining lines and canopy of the reserve chute.
Although the earlier mishap resulted in minor leg injuries, he made a safe landing.
“With all parachutists out of the aircraft, the pilot assessed they had limited pitch control, given the substantially damaged tailplane, which still had a portion of the reserve parachute wrapped around it,” Mr Mitchell said.
“With forward pressure they found they could achieve a gradual descent, and retracted the flap, which then allowed slightly more rudder, aileron and elevator control.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, the pilot was able to control the aircraft and land safely at Tully.
Mr Mitchell said the event served as a reminder of the need for parachutists to be mindful of their handfuls especially when exiting the aircraft.
He said it also highlighted the value of carrying a hook knife — which was not a regulatory requirement.
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