During a routine repack, a rigger discovered that this Maillon Rapide quick link (aka French link) on the main deployment bag had damaged the pilot chute’s kill line and attachment point, likely from repeated friction between the components. The friction had also unscrewed the link, although it did not detach from the bag.

To avoid gear damage and possible component failure, jumpers should inspect all their attachment points each time they pack. Using soft links can avoid the damage caused by metal links; however, jumpers must still inspect soft links at each pack job to be sure they are in good shape and will function as intended.