Overview
- The September incident occurred during a planned formation jump when a reserve-parachute handle caught on the aircraft during exit, causing the canopy to wrap around the tail at roughly 15,000 feet.
- Video shows the trapped skydiver cutting reserve lines with a hook knife before deploying the main parachute and landing with minor leg injuries.
- The aircraft’s tail was significantly damaged, the pilot experienced degraded control, issued an emergency call, and later landed the Cessna safely in Tully.
- Some jumpers exited as the event unfolded and the cameraman was struck and fell prematurely, according to the ATSB’s account and released footage.
- The ATSB’s final report highlights the lifesaving value of a hook or harness knife, and one outlet reports the local club has since required jumpers to carry one, with investigators also noting procedural shortcomings including unverified loading limits.