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Incident report:
After seeing hundreds of its units that have been returned for parachute repacking or
other services, BRS has become aware that some units have activating handles on which
metallic corrosion may be a serious problem. "We find the worse effects are in areas
where saltwater's corrosive actions are most prevalent, that is coastal areas like Florida
and California," reports company president Boris Popov. BRS recommends a simple
pre-flight action that can arrest the chance of a system failure, but this action is
required before every flight.
The handle components are metal-against-metal, and moisture-particularly high amounts
of saltwater the area of metal contact can become badly corroded over a period of months.
If not inspected and exercised regularly by the pilot or owner, this corrosion can be
significant enough that the unit's activating handle cannot be pulled at all.
The pilot is instructed to remove the safety pin from the handle (preparing the system
for use). He should also undo the Velcro strip which secures the handle to its black
mounting bracket. Then, using his other hand to prevent the activating housing from
rotating at the same time, the pilot should gently twist the red handle back and forth to
scrape off corrosive build up.
Care must be used not to pull the handle, on detonation
could occur.
Finally, if he will not fly immediately after this action, he should replace
the safety pin with its warning flag to prevent inadvertent detonation of the system. If
he will fly directly afterwards, the safety pin can be replaced in its storage location
the BRS. will be ready for use. The Velcro strap should also be re-attached.
For
additional clarification, please refer to the diagram depicting this preflight action.
For further information on the handle pre flight check or on the BRS product line
contact BRS at 612-457-7481.
Their was a safety bulletin similar to this issued for the
Handbury system. Second Chanz also had a recall on some of their chute systems.
The Second Chanz and the Handbury system to the best of my knowledge are no longer
available, and their life expectancy has been over for a number
of years..
For more
information on BRS parachutes click here. |
