Overview
- Investigators found the first jumper’s reserve handle snagged on a wing flap at about 15,000 feet, triggering a reserve deployment that wrapped on the Cessna Caravan’s tail and left the skydiver hanging below.
- The stranded parachutist cut 11 lines with a hook knife, separated from the entanglement, deployed the main canopy, and landed with minor injuries.
- The pilot reported violent vibrations and limited pitch control with jammed forward trim, declared a mayday to Brisbane Centre, prepared to bail out, and then landed safely at Tully.
- Thirteen parachutists exited during the emergency, and the deployed reserve canopy struck the camera operator, dislodging them into freefall and causing a minor injury.
- The ATSB noted the aircraft departed outside centre‑of‑gravity limits and the pilot did not use supplemental oxygen at or above FL140, prompting FNFF’s new equipment and checklist rules as the Australian Parachute Federation develops national guidance and training.