This completely worn loop was found post jump on a Velocity Air Sports Equipment (VSE) Infinity. This was on the RSL side, so would have put the reserve into the half-attached main if it failed upon deployment. Sharp, badly set grommet on a cutaway housing spade connector caused the damage.

Kerry Farringdon, what does VSE have to say?

The riser locking loop wear issue is currently being addressed by VSE. Several cases have been reported with varying degrees and locations of wear. Determining the root cause of the wear has been challenging due to the sporadic nature of the issue and the limited number of rigs being returned to VSE for complete inspection.

Based on the rigs inspected to date, VSE feels the wear is generally caused by the grommet in the RSL side cutaway housing. Over successive jumps, some grommets have developed a sharp edge which is causing the damage. Sometimes it’s on the outside edge of the grommet, sometimes it’s on the inside edge where the loop passes through.

We are currently finalizing a service bulletin for this issue. We recommend regular checks to ensure any potential wear is caught as soon as possible. VSE will work with affected customers to make any required repairs of their risers/rig.

Surely every rig with an RSL (or a MARD) should have a Collin’s Lanyard?

This is currently not available as a standalone system due to licensing restrictions. Licencing is only available in conjunction with the Skyhook. While VSE understands the concepts and intention of both systems, we have chosen not to implement either at this time due to concerns of several incidents in the field. VSE believes a properly functioning standard RSL system is a well proven and safe design and we continue to use it on our rigs. However, we continue to review the various MARD designs for possible future implementation.

Dan BC, what’s your take?

This sort of problem is why I check my rig before every jump – even on a back-to-back. You’re never in too much of a rush.

Check your equipment regularly!