SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BRSI), the world's leading manufacturer of whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems, announced that it was notified of an aircraft accident this past Sunday, October 12th, in northern Spain, where its parachute recovery system saved the life of the pilot and two passengers. The pilot of a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, making an approach to the San Sebastian airport in northern Spain between Bilbao and the French border, encountered severe turbulence on final approach resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of control. Upon his plane becoming inverted and realizing both the proximity of terrain and inability to regain control in time, the pilot elected to deploy his BRS parachute. Functioning as designed, the parachute safely recovered the plane and occupants as they touched ground seconds later. All occupants walked away without a scratch. The plane sustained damage to its left wing, cockpit and left door.
"As always, when we hear of such unfortunate occurrences, we are most proud of our part in saving these aviators and their passengers", said BRS CEO and President, Larry Williams. "Our team realizes every day the enormity of their responsibilities whether sewing, inspecting, assembling, or packaging our life-saving products and that their efforts are oftentimes the only difference between life and death for a pilot and passengers in these circumstances. It's a humbling thought which we take great pride in experiencing whenever we are notified of another save" he added. This incident marks the 215th, 216th, and 217th documented lives saved by a BRS parachute system.
About Ballistic Recovery Systems and Advanced Tactical Fabrication
Based in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, BRS designs, manufactures, and distributes whole-aircraft emergency parachute systems for general aviation and recreational aircraft. ATF (or Advanced Tactical Fabrication), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BRS, is a leader in the safety apparel and "cut & sew" industry. Ballistic Recovery Systems is a publicly traded company (BRSI.PK). 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, Minnesota. To date, BRS parachute recovery systems have been credited with saving the lives of 217 pilots and passengers.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," and other similar words or phrases. These statements are only predictions, and are based on current information and expectations. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including market fluctuations, pricing, procurement, manufacturing efficiencies, operating risks, and other risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. For more information, review the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly the Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and BRS undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
SOURCE: Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc.

Very interesting. Over two hundred saves.

I wonder if the pilot deployed the 'chute while inverted. If he did, it speaks well of the design of the system.

RG

Yeah, as an ex skydiver, I fully agree. I suppose the launching charge is sufficient to get the canopy into clean air, regardless of aircraft attitude. Sounds like an excellent design.