Heart-stopping video released Thursday by Australian authorities shows the moment a skydiver was left dangling thousands of metres in the air after their
parachute became caught on the tail of an aircraft during a stunt south of Cairns. The skydiver survived the September incident, which has only now been made public following an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. According to the bureau, the accident took place during a planned 16-way formation jump from 15,000 feet (4,600 metres). Footage captured by a camera operator showed the formation falling apart within seconds of the first participant moving toward the aircraft door. A video released by the ATSB shows the skydiver's reserve parachute deploying unexpectedly after its handle snagged on a wing flap as the jumper exited the plane. The reserve chute inflated instantly, flinging the jumper backward and causing their legs to strike the aircraft as the orange canopy wrapped tightly around the tail.
The sudden movement also knocked the camera operator, who had been straddling the side of the aircraft, into freefall, the bureau said. The skydiver, appearing disoriented, placed their hands on their helmet briefly "as if in shock", according to the report.
Suspended above the drop and still tethered to the aircraft by the tangled reserve chute, the skydiver used a hook knife to cut themselves free. They then deployed their main parachute and landed safely.
"Carrying a hook knife -- although it is not a regulatory requirement -- could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment," said Angus Mitchell, the bureau's chief commissioner, as quoted by AFP.
The aircraft sustained "substantially damaged" tail components, the ATSB said. The pilot briefly struggled to control the plane and issued a mayday call but was ultimately able to land safely without injuries.
The ATSB did not release the names, ages or genders of those involved in the incident.
