Lessons Learned: Parachute Snags During Jump Run
A premature parachute opening involving a Cessna 208 Caravan highlights the importance for parachutists to be mindful of their handles particularly when exiting the aircraft.
A pilot had to make significant control inputs to maintain level flight after a skydiver’s reserve parachute became snagged on the tail of their Cessna Caravan during a jump run over Tully Airport, in Far North Queensland, an ATSB (Australian Transport Safety Bureau) final report details.
The Cessna took off from Tully on September 20, 2025, with a pilot and 17 parachutists on board, planning for a 16-way formation jump from 15,000 ft. filmed by a parachuting camera operator.
Once at the desired altitude, the pilot slowed the aircraft to 85 kt, extended 10° of flap and signaled the jump to begin.
While the first parachutist was climbing out of the roller door, the handle for their reserve parachute snagged on the wing flap, deploying the chute inadvertently.
Suddenly this dragged the parachutist backwards, his legs striking the aircraft’s left horizontal stabilizer, substantially damaging it. The parachute then wrapped around the stabilizer, suspending the parachutist below the aircraft.
Watch the ATSB video:
