What's Happening?
An Australian parachuting club is under scrutiny following an incident where a parachutist's reserve chute inadvertently deployed and snagged on a Cessna 208 aircraft's tailplane. The event occurred on September
20th during a formation jump involving 16 parachutists. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the parachutist's reserve chute deployed as they exited the plane, leading to a dangerous situation where the chute wrapped around the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer. The parachutist, who sustained leg injuries, managed to cut themselves free and land safely. The pilot, despite struggling with control, successfully landed the aircraft. The ATSB's investigation revealed that the parachuting club's manifest software, which calculates the aircraft's weight including parachutists, lacked features to assess proper loading and balance. The pilot also did not use an electronic flight bag for weight and balance calculations, a factor noted by the ATSB as a potential risk in parachute operations.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights critical safety concerns in parachuting operations, particularly regarding the use of technology to ensure aircraft safety. The lack of software features to assess aircraft balance and the omission of electronic flight bag usage could lead to severe accidents. The ATSB's findings underscore the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and the integration of advanced software solutions in aviation sports. The parachuting club's engagement with software providers to enhance their systems reflects a proactive approach to preventing future incidents. This situation serves as a reminder of the potential risks in recreational aviation activities and the need for stringent safety measures.
What's Next?
The parachuting club is currently in discussions with its software provider to incorporate balance calculations into its manifest system. Additionally, the club is considering alternative software solutions to enhance safety. The ATSB's recommendations may lead to broader industry changes, prompting other parachuting clubs to review and upgrade their safety protocols and software systems. This incident could also influence regulatory bodies to enforce stricter guidelines on the use of technology in aviation sports, ensuring that all clubs adhere to best practices for safety and risk management.
