A skydiver performing a dramatic entrance with a massive American flag suffered a frightening landing at a rodeo, and stunned spectators captured the whole incident on video.
During the Folsom Pro Rodeo near Sacramento in Northern California on Thursday, July 3, 2026, footage showed the parachutist making a smooth approach into the arena while the oversized flag billowed behind him.
The situation then appeared to go badly wrong when the flag seemed to catch on a nearby tree, throwing the skydiver off balance and sending him into a sudden, uncontrolled descent.
Video posted on Facebook by Krista Nicole Hefner shows the man dropping at what appears to be an almost 90-degree angle before crashing into a small tent near the grandstands. He came down just short of the packed crowd, and the clip ends soon after impact, initially leaving onlookers uncertain about his condition.
Organisers later confirmed the skydiver, identified as Ross Vail, was safe. According to local reports, he suffered only a cut on his lip and no other injuries.
People at the event said the crowd watched nervously as Vail stood up after the fall. He then walked into the centre of the arena and waved to let everyone know he was fine, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
After the incident, organisers released a statement commending Vail’s calm response and said he was already intending to return for another jump the following evening.
A skydiver survived a scary crash landing that was all caught on camera at the Folsom Pro Rodeo.
Read more at https://t.co/pLerGDB4y7 pic.twitter.com/ELdTShrtJr
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 4, 2026
“On behalf of the Folsom Pro Rodeo and Choose Folsom, our skydiver Ross is safe and walked into our arena, post jump, to a standing ovation,” the statement read. “He will be skydiving into our arena again tonight, July 3rd.”
And that is exactly what happened, with Vail returning the next night for another jump into the rodeo arena without further trouble.
The flag-bearing skydiving entrance has become a familiar feature of the Folsom Pro Rodeo, where patriotic aerial displays have opened the event for several years.
This year’s rodeo marked the 65th anniversary of the event. It is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and promoted as a celebration of the tradition and excitement that defines the sport.
Organisers also describe it as a must-attend event for rodeo supporters, blending top-level competition with the atmosphere of the Folsom community. This year’s event was sold out.
Further comment has been sought from the Folsom Pro Rodeo.