SAFETY NOTICE

    This is a carabiner attachment point which blew out, in flight.

• The harness was less than three years old.

• The stitching had been abraded during some sort of "drag" episode.

• There are literally thousands of harnesses just like this one in circulation.

• The attachment point on the other side of the harness was tested by the mfgr. to hold 930 kg, and to meet with DHV specifications.

• Other parts of the harness had been compromised; buckles were scratched and there had been some repairs(cosmetic).

• The mfgr. was surprised at the amount of overall wear on the harness.

• The pilot is o.k.

    In case you ever thought "my harness is getting a little old, I ought to replace it," then you are right. If you ever thought   "no harness ever blew out," then you are wrong. Pilots who fly in the American west, fly amongst high wind, strong thermals, inhospitable launches, dirt, rocks etc.  Every pilots should take extra care when inspecting equipment knowing that gliders and harnesses are largely developed in Europe and Asia where launches, landing areas and conditions are generally more friendly.