Parachute - Parachute Malfunctions

Parachute Malfunctions

Below are listed specific to round-parachutes. For malfunctions specific to square parachutes, see Malfunction (parachuting).

• A "Mae West" or "Blown Periphery" is a type of round parachute malfunction which contorts the shape of the canopy into the appearance of a brassiere, presumably one outward, is blown against the opposite skirt. The column of nylon fabric, buffeted by the wind, rapidly heats from friction and fuses together, removing any chance of the canopy opening.
• An "inversion" occurs when one skirt of the canopy blows between the suspension lines on the opposite side of the parachute and then catches air. That portion then forms a secondary lobe with the canopy inverted. The secondary lobe grows until the canopy turns completely inside out.
• A "Barber's pole" describes having a mess of lines tangled “behind your head and you have to cut away your main chute and pull your reserve.”
• The "Horseshoe" Is an out of sequence deployment. This is when the parachute lines and bag are released before the bag drogue and bridle. This can cause the lines to become tangled or a situation where the parachute drogue not release from the container.
• "Jumper-In-Tow" involves a static line which doesn't disconnect and "you are being dragged along in the wild blue yonder."
• The "Streamer" is "dreaded" when the main chute is whistling in the wind, the chutist cuts away, and attempts to open the reserve if there is time.