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Date:
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time:
Not specified
Type of Aircraft:
Cessna 208 Caravan I
Owner/Operator:
Skydive Australia
Registration:
VH-DVS
MSN:
20800131
Year of Manufacture:
1988
Engine Model:
Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 17
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Minor
Category:
Serious incident
Location:
Tully Airport (YTUY), Queensland – Australia
Phase:
Manoeuvring (parachuting drop)
Nature:
Parachuting
Departure Airport:
Tully Airport (YTUY)
Destination Airport:
Tully Airport (YTUY)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Circumstances:
On September 20, 2025, a Cessna 208 Caravan I registered VH-DVS, operated by Skydive Australia, was conducting parachute drop operations at Tully Airport, Queensland.
At flight level 150, as the jump door was opened for parachutists to exit, a reserve parachute inadvertently deployed inside the aircraft. The deployed canopy was pulled out of the door and became entangled around the tailplane of the aircraft, leading to controllability issues.
The parachutist involved quickly cut away the reserve parachute and later deployed their main parachute, landing safely with only minor injuries. Sixteen other parachutists exited the aircraft without incident.
The pilot then initiated an emergency descent and returned to Tully Airport, where the Caravan landed safely. The aircraft sustained minor damage during the occurrence.
The ATSB classified the event as a serious incident due to the potential for catastrophic loss of control and is gathering additional evidence.
Sources:
ATSB
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.