Harness Defect Report - Sup Air and Niviuk Harness

During routine WOF inspection and pre-flight checks on two harnesses the bungee reserve pin retainers in the harnesses have failed.

Both had sewn in bungy cords for securing the reserve pocket.

The bungy has been stitched through. This has likely caused the bungee to fail in two ways.

1. The needle may have cut bungy strands during stitching 
2. During normal use the thread continues to cut the bungy strands. Inadequate stitching or other means to hold the bungy cord intact during normal use.

Stitching through bungy is not best practice for this kind of application. A knot secured in the bungy is a preferable method, the knot maybe backed up with a non metallic washer also.

Sewn in bungy increases the risk of an accidental reserve deployment due to the difficulty of checking the failure point during normal pre flight checks. The wear may only be identified during a thorough inspection.

It is recommended that all pilots take particular notice of the method their reserve pocket is secured.

Any sewn in bungy cord should be thoroughly inspected and if there is any concern regarding the integrity of the bungy contact the equipment supplier for repair or replacement of the parts.

Grant Middendorf
PG Operations Manager
NZHGPA
Mob: 0274913786