How do parachutes malfunction

And most importantly, what can you do if a parachute malfunction happens to you? But let's start with the basics. What are the odds of your parachute even glitching in the first place? Over the course of 21 years, Ron Bell has made more than 13, jumps. A main parachute malfunction, "on average, happens about one in one thousand jumps," he says.

That's a nearly perfect reflection of his own record — he's experienced 14 malfunctions to date, he says. The vast majority of parachute mishaps can be chalked up to human error, like improper packing or wonky body position during free fall. These result in a "partial malfunction," where the main chute deploys but is somehow impeded.

One of the most common partial malfunctions is a phenomenon called line twists. This happens when the main parachute's strings spin together like the chains of a swing-set so the canopy can't fully bloom. However, this problem is relatively easy to solve. Another scenario, known as a line over , occurs when a line crosses the main canopy and prevents it from opening evenly.

Sometimes line overs work themselves out; other times they need a bit of maneuvering to fix. Other partial malfunctions include tears in the canopy fabric or broken lines. These are often the result of old or faulty parachute equipment. Tandem skydiving accidents are incredibly rare. Your tandem skydiving instructor is the product of extensive training in skydiving safety procedures. The skydiving safety statistics numbers are clear that the safety of skydiving is at a higher standard now than it has ever been.

Try that one on for size. Come on out and see. Indoor Skydiving. Outdoor Skydiving. Over the years, the equipment and training that we use in the sport of skydiving has evolved to a point where parachute malfunctions are generally a non-issue. We dare you to take a tandem ride with us and see. Tags: skydiving safety. I loved everything about this place.

All of the instructors at Skydive Cincinnati are thoroughly trained to use a reserve parachute. In fact, it's quite possible that in their extensive time in the sport, your instructor has had to deploy and land a reserve parachute. This means they serve as the living proof that even if the skydiving parachute malfunctions, it can be a-okay! Still have questions about how a parachute works?

Purchase Gift Certificates. Despite it being my first time skydiving and I had no idea what I was doing he made sure to make me feel like I could overcome my fears!!

Would highly recommend going here to Skydive. Book Now Menu. Close Book Online Now! What if a Skydiving Parachute Malfunctions? Home Dropzone Articles Details. Parachute Malfunction Statistics Skydiving parachute malfunctions are fairly unlikely. Now that we've cleared the air on the big questions, let's go over some parachute basics.