Friday Freakout: Skydiver Knocked Out By Hard Premature Parachute Opening

Get your TEEM gear here: For licensing/usage please contact licensing@ and reference CS-000501 ___________________________________ *WHAT HAPPENED* These skydivers had planned to dock and do a linked barrel role on a belly jump. Unfortunately, during the roll, one jumper’s pilot chute was exposed to the relative wind and their pilot chute got ripped out of the BOC. The other jumper kept a pretty firm grip on their buddy, pulling them head-down for a second before they were ripped away. Being jerked from head-down to head-up, combined with that oh-so-delightful transition from free fall to a snappily opened canopy, knocked the jumper out. Luckily, they came to under canopy and landed safely. *WHY DID IT HAPPEN* Loose BOC The jumper noted that they had been able to pack their pilot chute into the BOC with ease prior to this jump and hadn’t really considered whether it needed to be replaced. Based on the description, it sounds like the elastic closure on the BOC or the spandex material from which the BOC is made may have worn out. When that happens, the relative wind can be enough to catch the pilot chute and yank it out, causing a premature deployment. *HOW COULD IT BE PREVENTED* Pay Attention While Packing! As you run your lines out, are you checking to see if they’re starting to wear out? Are you looking to see if your brake lines need to get untwisted? Are you making sure your closing loop isn’t showing some use? These tiny details aren’t a big deal... until suddenly they are. Worn lines can snap. Twisted brake lines can cause tension knots. Old closing loops can cause premature deployments. Packing isn’t just about getting your canopy back in the container; it’s a process during which you’re checking your gear to make sure it’s safe to jump. Here, the skydiver submitting the video was the first to note that a pilot chute shouldn’t slide in super easily. They knew that if you’re meeting no resistance, it may be time to replace the BOC. They didn’t do that and were lucky not to have gotten hurt. In short, pay attention while packing. If something isn’t right, take yourself off the load, talk to a rigger, and ensure you’re good to go. ___________________________________ Check out for the best skydiving and BASE jumping videos on the planet. Served fresh, daily. Stalk us on Facebook: Subscribe on YouTube:  Follow us on Twitter: See what we’re up to on Instagram: @JOINTHETEEM