Skydiver Dangling 15,000 Feet After Parachute Snags Plane Tail

Parachute Mishap During Skydive

• ⚠️ A skydiver's reserve parachute inadvertently deployed after its handle snagged on the aircraft's flap as they exited the plane.
• 📌 The deployed reserve parachute then became entangled on the aircraft's tail, suspending the skydiver beneath the Cessna 208 Caravan at 15,000 feet.
• 💥 The skydiver's legs were injured upon striking and damaging the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Rescue and Recovery

• ✂️ The skydiver used a hook knife to cut lines of the reserve parachute, allowing it to tear free from the tail.
• 🪢 The main parachute was then deployed but tangled with remnants of the reserve canopy, requiring further untangling.
• ✅ Despite control difficulties and damage, the skydiver was able to land without further incident.

Aircraft and Pilot Actions

• ✈️ The pilot, unaware of the entanglement, felt the aircraft pitch up and observed a rapid decrease in airspeed.
• 📉 The pilot safely landed the aircraft back at Tully Airport, despite substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
• ⚖️ The investigation also found the aircraft was not loaded within its weight and balance envelope, though this did not contribute to the accident.

Safety Recommendations

• 💡 The incident highlights the importance for parachutists to be mindful of their handles, especially when exiting the aircraft.
• 🔪 Carrying a hook knife secured to the parachute container is emphasized as potentially lifesaving in such scenarios.
• 🛟 Pilots conducting parachute operations are reminded of the importance of wearing an emergency parachute and knowing how to deploy it.