Footage has emerged showing the moment a group of US skydivers scrambled to escape after their plane collided with another aircraft and exploded into flames.
The nine skydivers and two pilots were performing the last jump of the day above Wisconsin last weekend when the two Cessna planes they were travelling in suddenly slammed into each other, NBC News reports.
Footage from the skydivers' headcams shows three people getting out onto the exterior step and preparing to jump when their aircraft appears to fly directly on top of the other plane.
The skydivers are thrown about as the planes collide and a fire erupts.
When the explosion clears, one of the skydivers is seen screaming as he clings onto the step and the plane begins to tumble out of control.
In a few seconds he lets go and the skydiver with the headcam also jumps free.
As the skydiver filming turns back to look at the wreckage both planes can be seen tumbling to the ground, one billowing smoke and flames.
Amazingly the skydivers and both pilots survived the crash, with all skydivers managing to jump free and land safely.
The pilot in the flaming Cessna, who was wearing an emergency parachute, escaped through an emergency chute and landed with only minor cuts.
The other pilot was able to pull out of the dive and landed the plane.
Skydiver Mike Robinson told NBC News weather conditions were perfect for the jump.
"This was my fourth jump of the day – I have over 900 skydives," Mr Robinson said.
"I'll remember this one more than most."
The cause of the collision is not known.
Author: Alys Francis. Approving editor: Jack Hawke.
Source: NBC News.
