CC130328 Hercules - Epilogue

Report / July 8, 2009 / Project number: CC130328 - E Category

Location: Near Wabush, Labrador
Date: 2009-07-08
Status: Investigation Complete

Two Search and Rescue (SAR) Technicians completed a night time parachute descent from a CC130 Hercules aircraft. They were on an operational mission to rescue personnel injured in a small aircraft crash. Both SAR Technicians were dressed in bush suits and wore their 190C helmets. Each helmet had a small light taped to the front and back of the helmet for illumination. The technicians each wore approximately 125 lbs of equipment to complete their mission. At this weight, their balance during the exit manoeuvre from the aircraft was challenging.

During the descent, both parachutists coincidentally experienced the same slow speed malfunction where the right steering line and toggle, used to control the parachute, inadvertently deployed. In one case, the un-stowed steering toggle had wrapped itself around the adjacent rear parachute riser which required considerable effort to make free. This malfunction, if left uncorrected would cause the parachute to rotate uncontrollably while in descent. Fortunately, each jump was conducted from 3,750 feet above ground level and this provided time for each jumper to remedy their malfunction. Both jumpers reached the ground safely.

The investigation focused on the equipment, regulations and personnel involved. The hook and pile fasteners, used to secure the steering lines to the risers, were secure as per the applicable Canadian Forces Technical Order (CFTO); prior to the jump. A closer review of the actual procedure used to close the steering line keepers determined that experienced parachute riggers secured the steering line keepers in a very tight manner. The Rigger that packed the parachutes used in the occurrence did not apply this technique. As a corrective measure, the CFTO was modified to reflect this “best practice” technique as a new requirement. In addition, a Flight Safety Flash was issued to make local units aware of the problem.

Further investigation determined that a modification to the parachute resulted in the steering line keepers being placed closer to the jumpers’ 190C helmet. The helmets have a number of protrusions which can interfere with the riser. The addition of lights for night jumps also became a protrusion, although it was not an authorised modification in accordance with the applicable CFTO. The second parachutist did not remove his boom microphone prior to the jump, contrary to regulations, and this significant protrusion likely made contact with his right parachute riser causing his steering line to become un-stowed as well.

Preventive measures include having the Directorate of Technical Airworthiness Engineering Support review the airworthiness of the current helmet and parachute riser modifications to ensure their compatibility.