SKYDIVER IN AUSTRALIA TANGLED ON WING OF A PLANE

A routine skydiving stunt over Queensland turned into a heart-stopping ordeal when a reserve parachute became entangled with an aircraft mid-air. The incident occurred Sept. 20 near Tully Airport during the “Big Ways at the Beach” event, where experienced skydivers attempted a large group formation filmed by a camera operator. As the plane climbed to about 15,000 feet, the first skydiver’s reserve parachute accidentally deployed while exiting the aircraft, snagging on the wing flap and then the left horizontal stabilizer.

The sudden drag caused the aircraft to slow and pitch upward, briefly confusing the pilot, who initially believed the plane had stalled. Meanwhile, the camera operator was knocked into free fall but landed safely with minor injuries. Suspended from the aircraft, the tangled skydiver used a knife to cut free, sending them into free fall as well. Despite another parachute tangle, the skydiver ultimately landed safely, escaping with bruises and cuts.