Rafael Ramirez shows his $5 winning lottery ticket to a tv news presenter. Photo: Ninemsn

A skydiver who became caught in power lines and lived to tell the tale has celebrated by buying a winning lottery ticket.

The drama unfolded when Rafael Ramirez jumped from a light aircraft and strong winds forced him to land in a residential area of Sebastian, Florida, local TV station WPBF reports.

The 28-year-old said he could he could see sparks flying around him as his parachute became snagged on the power lines. "It really happened quickly," he said. "I got a little frightened when I saw the sparks."

Despite the close call the four-year skydiving veteran escaped with only minor burns, but won $5 on his lottery ticket.