Plane Suffered Probable Control Surface Failure

A pilot experiencing a probable control surface failure deployed a Ballistic Recovery Systems whole aircraft parachute January 5, 2008 in Laurel, MD just north of Washington, DC. The aircraft and passenger were returned safely to the earth, becoming the 208th documented life saved by a BRS emergency parachute system.

"The aircraft rolled over on its back and headed straight down," said pilot Patrick Dean. He deployed the BRS parachute just a few hundred feet above the ground. The aircraft landed in the trees and Dean was helped from the cockpit by witnesses. He suffered a cut on his nose and minor bumps and bruises.

"The BRS system absolutely, positively saved my life!" Dean said. "There is nothing else that could have slowed me down enough to have kept me from hitting the ground at terminal velocity."

Dean was flying a Slipstream Genesis, a fabric and fiberglass two-seater he had built himself. The aircraft was recently inspected by the FAA and deemed to be airworthy.

During the construction process, his wife specifically asked him to add a BRS parachute to the design. After the accident, she delivered a short, but emotional message to the employees of BRS.

"Thank you very, very much for making these parachutes!" she said.

Dean says his wife is also encouraging him to continue flying... but especially now, only with a BRS parachute. "She wants me to keep doing the things I love," Dean said of his wife.

FMI: www.brsparachutes.com