Pilot Pulls 'Chute After Losing Control In Severe Weather

Without wading too deep into the controversy among many pilots about equipping aircraft with emergency parachutes, let's just say there's one pilot in Germany who was very happy to have one onboard when he felt there were no other options. And he joins 213 others.

Ballistic Recovery Systems, manufacturer of whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems, announced Thursday it was notified of an aircraft accident in Germany on Monday, August 25, where its parachute recovery system saved the life of its pilot.

The pilot of an FK14 Polaris light aircraft reportedly lost aerodynamic control of his aircraft upon encountering severe weather near the city of Cologne, Germany. Realizing he was in a deteriorating situation, he elected to deploy his installed BRS emergency parachute system.

The pilot subsequently landed in a grove of trees and walked away with only a sight scratch to his face. The incident marks the 214th documented life saved by the patented BRS parachute system.

"Once again, I am extremely proud of the BRS team whose concerted efforts made such a difference to this pilot and his family," said BRS CEO Larry Williams. "We are indeed privileged to work for a company that has designed, manufactured, and sold such a product which has saved so many lives through the years!"

Since 1981, BRS has delivered more than 29,000 parachute systems to aircraft owners worldwide, including over 3,500 systems on FAA-certificated aircraft such as the Cirrus Design SR20 and SR22 manufactured in Duluth, MN.

A BRS chute will also come standard on Cirrus' upcoming SRS light-sport aircraft... which, as ANN has reported, is derived from the Fk14 Polaris.

FMI: www.brsparachutes.com