When a Reserve Parachute Fails: What's Next for Identifying the Cause and Ensuring Safety
In the field of aviation and skydiving, the reliability and safety of parachute systems are paramount. If a reserve parachute fails to open during deployment, it immediately raises concerns about the packing quality and the potential risks involved. This article delves into the scenarios where a reserve parachute fails to deploy, the possibilities of improper packing, and the actions that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the entire rig.
Understanding the Situation: Failed Reserve Deployment
The scenario where a reserve parachute fails to open is not merely a technical issue but a critical safety concern. Typically, reserve canopies are designed to deploy independently in the event of a malfunction with the main canopy. However, if a reserve parachute fails to open, it is imperative to investigate the cause and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of all future jumps.
Identifying the Cause: Proper vs. Improper Packing
The first step in addressing a failed reserve deployment is to determine the root cause. In many cases, a reserve parachute failure can be attributed to improper packing. This issue can arise when the parachute is incorrectly packed in the container, leading to a malfunction during the deployment process.
However, it is important to note that it can be challenging to ascertain if a reserve parachute was improperly packed, especially if it had remained in its container and failed to deploy. Such failures often occur due to external factors such as the main canopy malfunctioning during deployment or tangling with the reserve parachute, which can be caused by the jumper or mere bad luck.
The Parachute Packing Process and Certification
Parachute packing is a specialized task that requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Typically, the jumper is responsible for packing their own main canopy, but only certified riggers are allowed to pack reserve parachutes. This distinction is crucial because improper packing during the rigging process can lead to serious safety risks, and certified riggers are trained to handle these tasks with the necessary expertise.
For instance, in my experience with 420 jumps, I utilized my reserve parachute once and it functioned flawlessly. This success story highlights the importance of proper packing and rigorous inspection processes. The rigger who packed and inspected my rig was rewarded with a bottle of Scotch, a testament to the critical role they play in ensuring safety.
Preventive Measures and Revision of Safety Protocols
When a reserve parachute fails, the appropriate actions should include a thorough review of the packing and inspection processes. It is essential to check all reserve parachutes packed by the same rigger in the same batch to prevent similar issues from occurring again. This practice is known as a 'batch check' and is an industry standard to ensure the safety of all jumpers.
The failure of a reserve parachute during deployment should prompt an investigation into the specific packing methods and the training of the rigger. If it is found that a reserve parachute was improperly packed, all parachutes packed by the same rigger need to be inspected and repacked. This stringent approach can help identify any recurring issues and address them proactively.
Certainty and Certainty of Prevention
Parachute failures are extremely rare, and it is rare to hear about reserve chutes failing alongside main canopies. As a paratrooper with thousands of jumps under my belt, I can attest to the safety and reliability of the systems in place. Nonetheless, any failure, whether it be a main or reserve parachute, must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
The focus must be on ensuring that the safety protocols are stringent and consistently followed. Conducting batch checks and verifying the packing of reserve parachutes can significantly reduce the risk of future failures. The cooperation between jumpers and riggers is vital in maintaining the highest standards of safety in the sport of skydiving.
In conclusion, the failure of a reserve parachute is a serious matter that requires a detailed investigation. It is crucial to perform batch checks and ensure that all reserve parachutes are packed and inspected properly. By adhering to these measures, we can help prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of all participants in the activity.