Parachute Malfunctions: The Reality of Free Fall and Survival

The question of what happens when a skydiver or paratrooper experiences a parachute malfunction has been a topic of much speculation and fear. Perhaps one of the most harrowing scenarios is when the main parachute fails to deploy properly or opens unsuccessfully, leading to a rapid descent. The consequences can vary greatly depending on factors such as altitude, speed, and timing of the malfunction.

The Necessity of Backup

Professional skydivers like myself understand the critical importance of having a reserve parachute. If the primary chute fails to deploy, the reserve is the last form of protection against a fatal impact. During my six-year tenure as a professional skydiver, I always made sure that my reserve parachute was in top condition. However, in extreme cases where the reserve does not open, the outcome is almost always fatal.

The Role of Altitude

Altitude plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a parachute malfunction. If the plane is parked on a runway and the exit is relatively low, the risk of injury would depend on the size of the aircraft. A larger aircraft with a higher exit point could result in significant injuries upon contact with the ground.

However, if the plane is at a significant altitude, the descent would be much faster. The free fall could last a few seconds, and the speed at which the skydiver approaches the ground is staggering. Without a parachute, the skydiver would experience a rapid acceleration and a descent similar to a terminal velocity fall. The impact upon hitting the ground would be incredibly violent, making survival extremely unlikely.

The Myths and Truths

There are several misconceptions about what happens during a bailout. One such myth is that a skydiver would pass out before hitting the ground due to the velocity. While it is true that the higher the altitude, the faster the descent, the immediate impact of the fabric and the sudden deceleration make passing out impossible. The sensation of impact and the knowledge of impending death would likely result in a overpowering fear and awareness.

Case Studies

Consider the unfortunate case of the 18-year-old girl who experienced a parachute malfunction during her skydiving birthday jump. She had no reserve parachute, and the malfunctioning main parachute did not open. Throughout the entire free fall, she would be aware of the impending impact and the finality of the situation. Given the psychological impact, the idea of passing out before hitting the ground would be a comforting thought.

In another example, individuals who jumped from the World Trade Center on 9/11 were at such extreme altitudes that it is theoretically possible that they would not become conscious before impact due to the high speed of descent. However, this would depend on individual circumstances and the availability of air intake.

Emergency Procedures

During training, skydivers are taught specific emergency procedures to maximize chances of survival. One common method is the Cross Lateral Procedure, which involves raising the arms straight above the head and crossing the wrists. The feet are also crossed at the ankles with toes pointing downward. This position is designed to facilitate easier recovery by the rescue team, who can easily find the individual by locating the wrists sticking out of the ground.

However, the effectiveness of these techniques decreases as the descent accelerates due to a malfunctioning parachute. In many cases, the individual is simply fated to hit the ground at high speed without any chance of survival.

In conclusion, the reality of a malfunctioning parachute is terrifying, and the consequences are often fatal. While emergency procedures and reserve parachutes provide some level of hope, the high speed and lack of air for oxygen intake make survival improbable. It is crucial to understand the dangers of extreme sports and the importance of proper training and safety measures.