AboutDan Liddy Expertise Nearly anything pertaining to safety , and technique. 1100 jumps experience and some extreme altitude jumps.
Experience I was an active skydiver for over 24 years, participated in competitive meets, and in relative work meets quite a lot. Also I could be found at a drop zone nearly any weekend. I have made numerous intentional water landings, several night freefalls, and have participated in numerous large formation attempts.
Question Can you explain why an emergency shute would deploy on exiting the plane (approx 12000ft) when nothing has been pulled manually.
Answer Hi Steve:
Most accidental deployments are a result of a ripcord being snagged on one thing or another. It was more common with chest mounted reserves back in the 60's and 70's when the ripcord was mounted on the right side of the chest pack and in a vulnerable location.
These days with the modern tandem or 'piggyback' rigs, the reserve ripcord is more sensibly located on the upper left main lift web of the harness assembly. This reduces the chances of the handle itself being snagged, however, if the ripcord housing is not properly located, routed, or well secured to the harness/container arrangement, it's quite possible the housing itself could be dislodged sufficient to cause an inadvertant deployment.
Accidental deployments are frightening things, quite dangerous to the victim, and those above him in the air. The best way to avoid them is to make sure your rig is in good order and have it checked periodically by a certified parachute rigger.
I'm not familiar with British aviation law governing the subject any longer, however I encourge you to contace the British Parachute Association for further information. contaact them at <<skydive@bpa.org.uk>>
