Overview
- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau published footage and findings on Dec. 11 from a Sept. 20 jump over Tully Airport in Queensland involving a Cessna 208 Caravan.
- The first jumper’s reserve parachute snagged on a wing flap, deployed prematurely, and wrapped around the left horizontal stabilizer, leaving the skydiver hanging beneath the tail.
- The aircraft pitched up and slowed rapidly as most parachutists exited; the pilot declared a mayday and was prepared to bail out if control deteriorated.
- The suspended jumper used a hook knife to cut 11 reserve lines, entered free fall, deployed the main canopy despite tangling with reserve remnants, and landed with minor leg injuries.
- Part of the reserve remained on the damaged tailplane, yet the pilot maintained control and landed safely at Tully, with the ATSB urging skydivers to carry hook knives even though they are not required.