Pilot aids parachutist mid-flight

A civilian pilot had to leave the controls of his light aircraft to cut free an Army parachutist whose lines got entangled in the undercarriage.

The pilot left his seat for 30 seconds to free the soldier, who completed the jump using his reserve parachute.

The parachutist was the last of six British soldiers making the jump at a parachute training centre in Germany.

The Ministry of Defence praised the pilot's "bravery and skill", adding it was unaware of any similar rescue.

The incident happened 3,000ft above the Joint Service Parachute Centre at Bad Lippspringe when the soldier's parachute partially deployed.

The pilot, who has asked to remain anonymous, realised the parachute-jump instructor was in trouble when he saw him frantically waving.

"The pilot showed significant bravery and skill," said the MoD.

"We are unaware of a rescue like this happening before."

The soldiers were taking part in a parachuting competition, with the first five all completing their jumps successfully.