Today, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released helmet-cam footage of an incredibly close call for a quick-thinking skydiver and the plane he was jumping from.
On September 20, a Cessna 208 Caravan took off from Tully Airport in Northern Queensland, Australia. The 17 skydivers on board planned a 16-person formation jump from 4,570m, filmed by a camera operator.
As the plane reached jump altitude and the first skydiver, Adrian Ferguson, positioned himself at the open door to exit, his reserve parachute’s ripcord snagged on a wing flap, causing the reserve chute to deploy prematurely. It yanked him backward out of the plane, and his legs slammed into the aircraft’s tail, inflicting substantial structural damage.
Meanwhile, the deployed parachute wrapped around the tail, suspending the skydiver precariously below. The pilot immediately felt the plane pitch upward due to the aerodynamic disruption. He had to apply significant forward pressure on the controls and right aileron input to maintain level flight. As the skydiver swung wildly, trying to free himself, the pilot declared a Mayday to air traffic control.
Thirteen of the remaining skydivers exited the plane and completed their jumps safely. Two others stayed aboard, observing as the suspended skydiver — showing remarkable composure — used a knife to cut away 11 of the 22 lines on his snagged chute. This allowed the remaining lines to tear free, releasing him into freefall.
Ferguson then deployed his main parachute. It became partly tangled with the fluttering reserve chute but was still functional enough for a controlled descent. He landed with only minor injuries, including a possible broken leg. The pilot, meanwhile, successfully landed the damaged aircraft safely back at Tully Airport.
Along with the footage, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its final investigation report. It highlighted how the skydiver’s quick actions and the pilot’s control averted catastrophe.
Watch the dramatic footage here:
