Service Bulletin: Squirrel Stronglite Containers
(I was asked by a moderator to copy this message from the incidents forum, to this thread. I have edited it because it is no longer a reply to a message in that forum).
The Service Bulletin and this message describe the facts of the incident as it was initially reported to us by the jumper, and the subsequent information that was gained after a more careful review and re-testing of this integrated riser design.
What we know right now is that the circumstances of this incident included a very steep >25sec track in a fast tracking suit with no flare, pull and deployment from a head low position, and then total line-dump (result of malfunctioning tail pocket) on a 300sqft (PIA) canopy with 5 vents and a large hole mesh slider, loaded asymmetrically by a jumper with an exit weight of over 200lbs with equipment: these factors generated forces that few situations are capable of producing and that most jumpers would make normal efforts to avoid. We are thankful that the jumper was not seriously injured.
We have no interest in keeping these things secret. No one benefits when a manufacturer sweeps an issue under the rug and then quietly implements a safety mod. Considering that we have not yet been able to inspect the harness in question and considering the extreme nature of the incident, perhaps we are overreacting by reporting on this at such length, and in such detail, and replacing all affected harnesses. But we would much rather overreact than under-react. The potential is not limited to this particular harness if one examines other current designs that can be pulled apart at the same load in the same fashion.
Integrated riser MLW junctions have been damaged in the past. However, because the damage was not widely reported and instead quietly modified, those of us with similar configurations were not made aware of it. There has been the potential, as pointed out by experienced riggers on this forum, but other actual incidents have not been well reported. We now better understand how the angles and forces needed to damage this design are specific and unusual, but possible.
This post and the attached document contain all of the relevant information that we have at this time. After our recent (8th of August) re-testing of our design and the designs of other manufacturers, and after receiving further information about how this jumper managed to exert such forces on his equipment, I think it is very important to encourage open discussion about equipment use. No equipment is indestructible, and BASE gear malfunctions more often than is reported and more often than most jumpers want to believe. We can only improve safety if issues are publicly reported and solutions are shared.
I agree that the human body should be the limiting factor in BASE equipment design, but we as jumpers all need to realize that it is possible to use our equipment improperly. We all have to make our best efforts to avoid situations and gear configurations that put ourselves and our gear at increased risk. There are ways to moderate opening forces and educating ourselves of the best practices for this is critical in terminal BASE jumping situations. At the same time, we as manufacturers have a responsibility to create gear that will sustain almost every imaginable situation – we realize this and believe that other manufacturers do as well. This incident will help us to improve both gear and knowledge in the sport.
As Squirrel has grown, we have inadvertently stepped on a few toes in the industry and the community. We have our detractors and we understand that this may be inevitable. While our primary concern is caring for and supporting our own customers who in turn support us, we also would like to maintain an open dialogue with everyone, customers or not. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact us at any time for an exchange of information. While we normally do not have time to monitor forums, we will also endeavor to respond here where possible as the BASE forum can serve the community in a positive manner in situations like this. Thank you for the constructive forum thread.
-Matt
