Mirage Systems - Soft Reserve Ripcord Recall

Mirage Systems has received 2 reports of reserve ripcord pins breaking under apparently normal wear. Although the company and the subcontractor who manufactured the ripcord assemblies have not been able to identify the cause of the failures, Mirage has issued the following mandatory Product Service Bulletin:

MIRAGE SYSTEMS - Product Service Bulletin

Issue date: 28 April 2003

Bulletin number: 280403-01

Subject: Soft Reserve Ripcord Recall

Status: Mandatory.

Compliance date: Immediate.

Identification: Mirage 27” Soft Reserve Ripcord, part #SH01-27, batch #M005128, mfd. 11/25/2001 – 5/10/2002

Background:

Mirage Systems has received 2 reports of reserve ripcord pins breaking under apparently normal wear. Mirage Systems, working with the subcontractor who manufactured the ripcord assemblies, has not been able to identify the cause of the failures. Detailed microscopic and metallurgical examinations have been carried out with nominal results. Further investigation is ongoing. Both failures occurred in a single batch of ripcord sub-assemblies manufactured in November 2001. Other assemblies from the same batch were tested and were normal. However, because both failures occurred in the same batch, in lieu of the discovery of a definitive cause and in the interest of safety, Mirage Systems and the subcontractor, Capewell Components, have decided to recall all ripcords from this batch for inspection and possible replacement effective immediately.

Action:

All Mirage owners with soft reserve ripcords should check the ripcord data panel, found on the soft handle opposite the attachment Velcro. Suspect handles are marked “S/N M005128”. Affected owners have 2 possible courses of action:

1. Return the ripcord ONLY together with identification and rig serial number to Capewell Components

ATTN: Mark M.

105 Nutmeg Road South

S. Windsor, CT 06074

Capewell will conduct non-destructive testing and inspection and, if necessary, Mirage Systems will replace and return the ripcord assembly, free of charge. Assemblies which pass inspection will be so marked and returned, cleared to jump, by Capewell.

2. Contact Mirage Systems with the serial number of their rig to place an order for immediate replacement at:

Mirage Systems

1501A Lexington Ave.

DeLand, Fl 32724

386-740-9222

[email protected]

Customers returning their old handles at time of order will be charged $15. Other orders will be charged $64, but will be eligible for a $44 refund upon receipt of the old handle. Customers shipping handles to either Capewell Components or Mirage Systems may use UPS account #E8E841 (Capewell Components) to cover shipping charges or use another service at their expense. Soft reserve ripcords bearing batch numbers other than M005128 and all metal handled ripcords are NOT affected. Because Capewell Components makes assemblies for other container manufacturers, all skydivers are recommended to check all hardware assemblies for unusual wear, cracking, scoring, marking or bending. All skydivers are reminded to check all their equipment for problems frequently.

Authority:

Daniel Thompson, President, Mirage System

Jeff Johnston, QC Manager, Mirage Sysetms

Mark Magdalenski, QC Manager, Capewell Components

Distribution: FAA, Mirage dealers and customers of record, Parachutist, Skydiving, Int’l periodicals.