Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dramatic footage released by Australian authorities has revealed the terrifying moment a skydiver’s parachute became entangled on the tail of a plane during a stunt south of Cairns. The incident, which occurred in September, has only now been made public following an investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

The skydiver, taking part in a 16-way formation jump at 15,000 feet, was flung backwards as their legs struck the aircraft, sending the stunt into immediate chaos. The video shows the jumper’s reserve parachute snagging on the plane’s wing flap, leaving them suspended thousands of metres above the ground. Another skydiver, a camera operator positioned at the aircraft’s side to film the jump, was also knocked into freefall by the sudden movements.

Despite the harrowing moment, the jumper acted quickly and cut the reserve parachute strings with a hook knife, freeing themselves from the aircraft. They then successfully deployed their main chute and landed safely. The ATSB noted that carrying a hook knife, though not legally required, can be lifesaving in cases of premature parachute deployment.

The incident caused substantial damage to the aircraft’s tail, forcing the pilot to issue a mayday call. Even with limited control, the pilot managed to bring the plane safely back to the ground, avoiding a potential disaster.

Authorities praised the skydiver’s calm response and quick thinking, which played a crucial role in preventing a fatal accident. The footage has raised awareness about the risks involved in professional skydiving stunts and the importance of safety measures such as emergency knives and parachute checks.

This skydiver incident in Cairns has become one of the most shocking and closely followed parachuting accidents in Australia, highlighting the dangers of aerial stunts and the need for strict safety protocols in extreme sports.

#Global News