December 11, 2025 / 7:43 PM EST / CBS News
What was meant to be a highlight of an Australian air show — 16 skydivers in formation, jumping from about 15,000 feet — went wrong just as the cameraman and first skydiver stepped out of a Cessna over Tully Airport in Far North Queensland. A reserve parachute deployed prematurely after its handle snagged on the airplane’s wing flap, knocking the camera operator into free fall and flinging the first skydiver into the aircraft’s stabilizer.
Dramatic video of the Sept. 20 incident was released by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). In its final report, the agency found the reserve-handle snag on the flap caused the unexpected deployment. The skydiver dangled beneath the aircraft until he used a hook knife to cut the reserve lines one by one and free himself. The main parachute then became tangled with parts of the reserve canopy, but the parachutist managed to untangle the lines, regain control and land safely with only minor injuries.
The Cessna’s left horizontal stabilizer was damaged but the aircraft also landed safely. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the event is a reminder for skydivers to be mindful of handle placement when exiting an aircraft and noted that carrying a hook knife — though not legally required — could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve deployment.