Hard pull causing 3 ring not to release drogue?

[hackish 8]

This has been bouncing around in my head for a while now. I believe the equipment was a vector tandem rig there are sigma and eclipse rigs at the DZ but I don't know the models that well.

One of the handles had a little chafing on it. The TM attempted to pull this handle and found it very difficult. He applied an extreme amount of force and "reefed" the handle out. He experienced a drogue in tow...

The TM then pulled either his cutaway followed by the silver or vice versa. Description of the events are contradictory from the first to subsequent recounts. A little hesitation and the reserve deployed.

The drogue remained in tow until he landed. It was examined at that point and the 3 rings released with ease.

It is believed that the extreme amount of force pulled the bridle and 3 ring for the drogue into a corner of the container and thus prevented it from releasing.

Prior to hearing this I didn't think it was really possible to have a "drogue in tow" given the amount of "pull force" it offers, of course this is barring a packing error.

I'm wondering if anyone else has seen or heard of anything like this or if anyone could propose an alternate explanation as to why the drogue would not release?

-Michael

[ronny2 0]

I have seen this 2 times, the small ring of the drogue 3-ring system blocked in the middle ring due a wrong packing (small ring have one twist)
It happend with a Vector II tandem and a Next tandem. Nothing wrong with this two systems, packing error.

[hackish 8]

That may be a possibility. I didn't pack that rig so I can't say for sure. It was the first jump of the day and I understand that mistakes are probably most likely when the packers are tired at the end of the day. The TM did say that he checked the 3-ring - they usually do - however it might be a good thing to point out as part of the routine.

-Michael