Skydiver Survives After Spare Parachute Deploys Mid-Flight

A skydiver is fortunate to have survived after his backup parachute unexpectedly deployed while he was aboard a plane, leaving him dangling and stranded. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed that the handle for the spare parachute somehow got caught in the aircraft’s flap, causing it to open.

Footage from the incident, which occurred in September, shows the man diving from the plane’s tail after the parachute became lodged. According to reports, the backup parachute wrapped around the plane’s left stabilizer and elevator, deflating when his leg hit the tail. He ended up suspended beneath the horizontal stabilizer.

The good news is that the skydiver had a hook knife on him. He was able to use it to cut the parachute line. The ATSB’s report noted that this action allowed him to free himself from the plane, although parts of the reserve parachute remained caught in the tail.

Despite the chaotic sequence of events, the skydivers managed to deploy their main parachutes after exiting the aircraft, but not without several complications. The reserve parachute line had twisted around the main parachute line during deployment. Additionally, one of the toggles got released during this process, causing further difficulties.

The main parachute inflated, but the twists led to some erratic movement. After a few rotations, the skydiver successfully released the right brake line and managed to stop the turns. He then untwisted the lines and deployed the left brake, allowing him to descend smoothly. Eventually, the lines untangled completely at around 8,000 feet.

Following this intense experience, the pilot of the aircraft was able to land safely. The ATSB noted that the skydiver touched down just nine seconds after the initial incident, suffering only minor injuries, including some lacerations and bruises on his legs.