Skydiver Survives After Parachute Snags Plane Tail in Australia – Terrifying Footage Released

The Australian authorities have released stunning videos showing a skydiver who came very close to dying as their parachute got caught in the tail of a plane during a stunt south of Cairns.

Although the accident took place in September, it has just been revealed now as a result of the examination carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The skydiver, who was one of the participants in the 16-way formation jump from 15,000 feet (4,600 meters), was lucky enough not to get hurt.

According to the ATSB, chaos ensued within seconds as the first participant moved toward the aircraft door. The video reveals the skydiver’s reserve parachute deploying unexpectedly after its handle snagged on a wing flap. The reserve chute inflated instantly, throwing the jumper backward and causing their legs to hit the plane while the orange canopy wrapped tightly around the aircraft’s tail.

The sudden movement also caused the camera operator, who was straddling the side of the plane, to fall. The skydiver, briefly disoriented, appeared to place their hands on their helmet "as if in shock," the report stated.

The skydiver was hanging in the air and was still attached to the plane by the parachute, so he used a hookknife to cut himself free before opening his main parachute and landing without a problem.

“Having a hook knife – even though it is not compulsory to carry one – can be a life saver in case of a premature reserve parachute deployment,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell.

The plane incurred significant damage to its tail section, and the pilot, after making a mayday call, was able to safely land. The ATSB did not reveal the names, ages, or sexes of anyone involved.'