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Skydiver dangles in a tree before rescuers arrive

 
Alexandra Ladyzhensky was cut down from a tree by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews Saturday after dangling from her tangled parachute for more than an hour. [Photo by EMILY CARVER]
Alexandra Ladyzhensky was cut down from a tree by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews Saturday after dangling from her tangled parachute for more than an hour. [Photo by EMILY CARVER]
Published Nov. 29, 2015

PLANT CITY — Alexandra Ladyzhensky needs a new altimeter.

It told her she was higher than she really was Saturday afternoon. So when the 20-year-old Bradenton skydiver began her landing pattern at what appeared to be 800 feet, she was already too low.

Knowing she wouldn't hit her intended landing spot, Ladyzhensky searched for another suitable landing area, and settled on a field at 9002 Paul Buchman Highway. But her 16th jump as a student hit a snag when she couldn't clear a tree and her parachute got caught in the branches. Ladyzhensky was left dangling 25 feet in the air.

"I was a bit nervous because everyone wants to land in the place that's the best landing area," she said after being cut down by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews after waiting more than an hour for a ladder truck to arrive. Other than some leg numbness as a result of her harness cutting off circulation, she was not injured.

Ladyzhensky was doing what's called a coach jump, where an instructor teaches her to do tricks in the air. Eventually, she said, she'll be able to jump with other people.

Despite her uneasiness on the way down, Ladyzhensky said this mishap won't discourage her from jumping.

"No, it made me realize what I need to focus on more," she said.