Home / Disasters and Accidents / Skydiver Dangling 15,000 Feet After Chute Snagged
Skydiver Dangling 15,000 Feet After Chute Snagged
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Skydiver Adrian Ferguson became entangled at 15,000 feet.
- He used a hook knife to cut himself free, sustaining minor injuries.
- The pilot managed to land the plane safely with others aboard.
A skydiver narrowly avoided disaster when his parachute became entangled on the tail of a plane at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Adrian Ferguson was exiting the aircraft when his reserve chute snagged on a wing flap, leaving him dangling precariously. Fortunately, Ferguson was equipped with a hook knife, which he used to cut himself free from the entanglement.
Despite the dramatic mid-air predicament, Ferguson managed to deploy his main parachute and land safely, suffering only minor leg injuries. The incident occurred during a planned formation jump, with other skydivers and the pilot onboard. The pilot skillfully navigated the plane back to Tully Airport after the emergency, even preparing to bail out.
Accident investigators highlighted the benefit of carrying a hook knife, noting it can be lifesaving in such unforeseen circumstances. While not a regulatory requirement, the tool proved critical in this near-fatal freefall, underscoring the inherent risks and preparedness needed in extreme sports.
