Keep an Eye Out | Incorrectly Placed Brake-Line Knot
This brake-line knot was placed too far away from the toggle and became stuck in the riser’s guide ring as a jumper began her landing flare. In order to avoid a low turn, the jumper returned both hands to the full-flight position. She didn't flare, and experienced a hard landing and injury.
Riggers and manufacturers use either a knot or a bar tack to secure the brake lines. A finger-trapped line without a knot or a bar tack to secure it may result in a toggle becoming disconnected in flight. On a line with the knot placed too far from the toggle, the knot can pass through the guide ring when the canopy is in full flight, and pulling on the toggle can lock the line to the ring (essentially bonding the toggle to the rear riser). To prevent this issue, the line should be finger-trapped and tied with the knot sitting right up against or slightly inside the grommet. The brake line may also be bar-tacked at this length to eliminate the knot completely.