FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Army has suspended the use of its new square parachutes because of problems found after a Fort Bragg soldier died during a training jump.
The Fayetteville Observer reported Wednesday that the T-11 parachutes initially were praised as safer. Tests had shown the new parachutes provide a slower, more stable descent than the traditional mushroom-shaped style.
Now Army investigators say Staff Sgt. Jamal Clay fell to his death last month because his T-11 parachute malfunctioned. Clay died during a training exercise at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
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An internal Army memo says investigators found “potential packing, inspection, quality control and functionality problems” with the T-11 parachute system.
According to the memo, Secretary of the Army John McHugh ordered the suspension of the parachute’s use until a safety investigation is completed.
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Information from: The Fayetteville Observer, https://www.fayobserver.com
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