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Skydiver’s Close Call: A Mid-Air Drama Over Tully Airport
TULLY, QUEENSLAND – What began as a routine, albeit spectacular, skydiving maneuver quickly turned into a heart-stopping aerial emergency last September when a skydiver found himself dangling precariously from a Cessna aircraft. The dramatic incident, captured on video and recently released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), has served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and rapid decision-making required in the world of skydiving.
The plan was ambitious: 16 skydivers were set to execute a formation jump from 15,000 feet over Tully Airport in Far North Queensland. However, as the cameraman and the first skydiver exited the plane, an unexpected deployment of a reserve parachute sent the cameraman into an immediate freefall and flung the skydiver directly into the aircraft’s stabilizer.
According to the ATSB’s final report, the mishap occurred when the handle of the reserve parachute snagged on the airplane’s wing flap, causing it to deploy prematurely. The skydiver was then left hanging below the Cessna, a truly terrifying predicament.
In a remarkable display of composure under extreme pressure, the skydiver utilized a hook knife to systematically cut through the lines of the deployed reserve chute. Once freed from the entanglement with the plane, a new challenge arose: the main parachute became tangled with the remnants of the jettisoned reserve canopy.
Fortunately, the parachutist managed to untangle the lines and regain control, ultimately landing safely with only minor injuries. The Cessna, despite sustaining damage to its left horizontal stabilizer, also made a safe landing.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell issued a statement emphasizing the importance of skydivers being acutely aware of their parachute handles, particularly during aircraft exits. Mitchell highlighted the skydiver’s quick thinking and the crucial role of the hook knife. “Carrying a hook knife – although it is not a regulatory requirement – could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment,” he stated.
This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness in extreme sports, where split-second decisions can make the difference between a near-disaster and a safe return to solid ground.