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 final report details.
The Cessna took off from Tully on 20 September 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 signalled 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.
This dragged the parachutist suddenly backwards, and their legs struck the aircraft’s left horizontal stabiliser, substantially damaging it. The parachute then wrapped around the stabiliser, suspending the parachutist below the aircraft.
“The pilot recalled feeling the aircraft suddenly pitch up, and observed the airspeed rapidly decreasing,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell explained.
“Initially unaware of what had occurred, the pilot believed the aircraft had stalled, and pushed forward on the control column and applied some power in response. But upon being told there was a skydiver hung up on the tailplane, they reduced power again.”
The pilot felt the controls vibrating, and reported significant forward pressure and right aileron input were required to maintain straight and level flight.
Meanwhile, 13 of the parachutists exited the aircraft and 2 remained in the doorway, watching as the snagged parachutist used a hook knife to cut 11 lines from their reserve parachute, allowing the remaining parachute to tear, freeing them from the aircraft.
Then in freefall, the parachutist was able to release their main parachute, which fully inflated, despite becoming tangled in the remaining lines and canopy of the reserve chute. The parachutist then landed safely, having sustained minor injuries in the accident.
“With all parachutists out of the aircraft, the pilot assessed they had limited pitch control, given the substantially damaged tailplane, which still had a portion of the reserve parachute wrapped around it,” Mr Mitchell said.
“With forward pressure they found they could achieve a gradual descent, and retracted the flap, which then allowed slightly more rudder, aileron and elevator control.”
The pilot maintained about 120 kt airspeed during the descent, and declared a MAYDAY to Brisbane Centre ATC, advising they had minimal control input.
The pilot, who was wearing an emergency parachute, prepared to bail out during the descent if they deemed they did not have sufficient control to land the aircraft. But, descending through about 2,500 ft, they assessed they would be able to land.
“In difficult circumstances, the pilot managed to control the aircraft and land safely at Tully.”
Mr Mitchell said the event reminds parachutists of the importance of being mindful of their handles, especially when exiting the aircraft.
“Carrying a hook knife – although it is not a regulatory requirement – could be lifesaving in the event of a premature reserve parachute deployment,” he said.
While it did not contribute to this accident, the ATSB’s investigation also found the pilot and aircraft operator did not ensure the aircraft was loaded within its weight and balance envelope.
“Fatal parachuting accidents have occurred in the past due to aircraft being loaded outside centre of gravity limits, which highlights the importance of conducting aircraft weight and balance calculations prior to each load,” Mr Mitchell concluded.
Read the final report: Premature parachute deployment involving Cessna 208, VH-DVS, over Tully Airport, Queensland, on 20 September 2025