After ejecting at 9 miles high William Rankin’s parachute automatically deployed as he entered a thunderstorm cell.  Blind, bloody and frostbiting he traveled 65 miles from his point of ejection before slamming into a tree trunk under canopy.  The most unbelievable part of the story, the elapsed time he spent in the air….40 minutes.  If you are having a bad day this might give you some perspective.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....