Incredible Images of Plane Ripping Through Skydiver’s Parachute Strings — Just the Opening Act of Harrowing Freak Accident (UPDATED PHOTOS)

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

MULBERRY, Fla. (AP) — An 87-year-old pilot and a skydiver — who jumped from a different plane — were hospitalized with only minor injuries Saturday after the pilot’s plane ripped through the skydiver’s parachute strings, sending both crashing into the ground near Tampa, Fla.

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Shannon Trembley was doing takeoff and landing maneuvers in his Cessna at the South Lakeland Airport in Mulberry, Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Carrie Eleazer said. On his third landing pass, the wing of his plane became entangled in the strings of 49-year-old Gainesville skydiver John Frost’s parachute less than 100 feet above the ground.

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Frost was flung to the ground, and Trembley’s plane nose-dived to the ground.

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Image source: Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office via Tampa Bay Times

Eleazer says neither sustained serious injuries but went to the hospital. Frost was treated and released. Trembley was held for observations.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating.

Here’s a report from WTVT-TV in Tampa Bay: