Photo by Bruno Brokken.
This past November, on one of the large-formation canopy formation world-record attempts, just after noon, we had 89 jumpers docked in the formation when we hit some air turbulence. In seven seconds, we went from a perfectly stable formation to only 57 canopies remaining connected. We continued to fly the formation with a large section removed.
The 32 jumpers that were ripped off performed their training well—pushing nylon fabric off their bodies, climbing out of lines and communicating to those with whom they were entangled to discuss the correct action to take. By 3,500 feet, all jumpers were clear, and only four had to resort to their reserve canopies. The jumpers still in formation above were able to perform their normal starbust breakoff.
The canopy-formation community has improved how we react to a wrap (or multiple wraps on a large formation) over time. For example, during the lead-up to the 100-way record in 2007, we had 28 people docked on a planned 36-way when it went sour. The plan back then was to try to release all grips and individually fly away. Ten of those 28 managed to escape without being entangled, and 11 of the remaining jumpers (including myself) ended up using a reserve. The “everyone for themselves” approach was clearly not optimal, so we adopted our “hold on” technique, and have had much better results.
Photo by Michael Tomaselli.
The statistics are showing that we’re making skydiving safer over the years, and canopy formation is no exception. While this wrap may look terrifying, the last recorded canopy-formation fatality in the United States was in 2013. By formalizing our training, emphasizing the importance of similar wing loadings and improving our emergency procedures, we’ve seen a positive downward trend in incidents. And while we can’t control the weather, we can continue to refine the ways we respond to it.
Our EPs continue to improve. With the majority of canopy formations having a dedicated video flyer, we’re able to debrief most of our wraps and incidents and communicate these lessons to the community as a whole. And that way, the next time we encounter those invisible demons in the sky, we’re much better prepared to deal with them.
Brian Pangburn D-18122
Casa Grande, Arizona