In the last year, USPA received two reports of a packing error that led to unusual pilot-chute-in-tow malfunctions. Thankfully, in each case the reserve deployed cleanly past the main pilot chute and bridle, and the jumpers landed uneventfully under their reserve canopies. There have been rumors of at least two other cases of this same malfunction occurring with other jumpers. Neither of these was reported directly to USPA, so we suspect that this issue may be more widespread than we are hearing about. This malfunction has occurred on both a United Parachute Technologies Micron and a Velocity Sports Infinity container. However, it can occur on almost any container under the right set of circumstances. This type of malfunction is easily avoidable, but you need to know what to look for.

PHOTO 1 This photo shows an actual container lock that occurred after the bridle was incorrectly stowed. (Click on photo to enlarge). Photo by Mark Kirschenbaum.

PHOTO 2 A configuration like this can cause the malfunction shown in photo 1 since the bridle lays directly on top of the pin and since there isn’t any slack in the bridle above the pin. (Click on photo to enlarge). Photo by Jim Crouch.

PHOTO 3 This photo demonstrates a correct configuration of bridle and pin. Note that the pin is visible and that there is some slack in the bridle above it. (Click on photo to enlarge). Photo by Jim Crouch.

If the main container is closed without leaving enough slack in the bridle between the closing pin and the main container flaps above the pin, the closing pin can actually pierce the bridle after the pilot chute is thrown, which locks the container closed. (See photo 1.) This appears to occur when there is little or no slack in the bridle between where it exits the container and goes to the pin, when the pin is oriented toward the top of the container and when the bridle completely covers the pin. (See photo 2.)

To avoid this type of malfunction:

1) Make sure there is some bridle slack between the pin and where the bridle comes up out of the container from under one of the main flaps above the pin. One manufacturer recommends three inches of slack. There should be at least enough slack that the pin will be extracted before there is any tension on the part of the bridle that is between the pin and the container flaps. (See photo 3.)

2) If possible, make sure that the bridle doesn’t cover the pin but is stowed beside the pin, with at least part of the pin remaining exposed and pointing up and away from the bridle. (See photo 3.)

3) Note that the closing pin’s attachment loop can be rotated around the eye of the pin. Be sure that the loop is positioned on the eye of the pin so that any tension on the bridle puts immediate tension on the pin and begins to extract it.

As always, check with the manufacturer of your container or refer to the owner’s manual for complete packing instructions.