High-Flying Drama: Skydiver's Close Call at 15, 000 Feet
In a thrilling turn of events, a skydiver found himself in a precarious situation high above Queensland, Australia.
The Incident
Adrian Ferguson was part of a group planning a 16-way formation jump from a Cessna Caravan. However, things took an unexpected turn when his reserve parachute got caught on the plane's tail, leaving him dangling at an astonishing 15,000 feet.
The incident began as Ferguson was exiting the plane. His ripcord snagged on a wing flap, causing the parachute to deploy prematurely. This sudden jerk:
- Knocked the camera operator out of the plane
- Sent Ferguson's legs crashing into the tail's horizontal stabilizer
- Tangled the parachute around the tail, leaving him suspended in mid-air
Quick Thinking Saves the Day
Ferguson used a hook knife to:
- Cut 11 lines, freeing himself from the plane
- Release his main chute, which inflated despite being entangled with remnants of the reserve chute
He landed safely, sustaining only minor leg injuries.
Pilot's Struggle
Meanwhile, the pilot was left with two skydivers aboard, struggling to control the plane with part of the chute still tangled around the tail. A mayday call was made, and the pilot prepared to bail out wearing an emergency chute. However, Brisbane air traffic authorities determined that the pilot had enough control to land safely. The plane touched down without incident.
Lessons Learned
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau highlighted the importance of carrying a hook knife, even though it's not a regulatory requirement. It could indeed be a lifesaver in such unexpected situations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of skydiving and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality. It's a testament to human ingenuity and quick thinking in the face of adversity.
