Skydiver Caught in Aircraft’s Propeller Cuts Parachute at 15,000 Ft to Survive

A stunt skydive over Tully Airport in Australia’s Queensland changed into a terrifying emergency when a jumper was left dangling 15,000 toes within the air after their parachute snagged on the aircraft’s tail.

Australian authorities on Thursday launched heart-stopping footage of the incident, which occurred south of Cairns throughout a deliberate 16-way formation bounce in September. The video, revealed by the Australian Transport Security Bureau (ATSB), exhibits how the routine stunt descended into chaos inside seconds of the primary skydiver reaching the aircraft’s exit level.

In response to the ATSB report, the skydiver’s reserve parachute deployed unexpectedly when its deal with caught on the plane’s wing flap. The sudden activation flung the jumper backwards, slamming their legs into the aircraft because the orange reserve chute wrapped itself tightly across the aircraft’s tail.

The pressure of the tangle additionally knocked the digital camera operator, who was positioned on the plane door making ready to movie the bounce, into an uncontrolled freefall, investigators stated. The report didn’t disclose any names, ages or genders of these concerned.

Within the video, the trapped skydiver seems momentarily frozen, palms on their helmet, dangling helplessly over a 15,000-foot drop.

Watch the video right here:

Regardless of the panic, the jumper rapidly used a hook knife to chop the tangled reserve parachute strains, a transfer investigators stated seemingly saved their life. As soon as free, the skydiver deployed their primary parachute and made a secure touchdown on the bottom.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell highlighted the significance of carrying security instruments throughout such jumps.

“Carrying a hook knife, though it’s not a regulatory requirement, may very well be lifesaving within the occasion of a untimely reserve parachute deployment,” Mitchell stated.

In the meantime, the plane itself suffered ‘substantial injury,’ with the parachute strains wrapped round its tail. The pilot, who briefly misplaced full management, issued a mayday misery name earlier than managing to securely land the plane.

The video gave a gripping reminder of the dangers behind high-altitude stunts, and the short considering that prevented what may have been a tragic final result.

– Ends