Broken carabiners

[administrator]

Some info on Austrialpin carabiners that failed.

http://www.dhv.de/typo/Karabiner_Brasilien.1978.0.html

[administrator]

Thanks to Eva for this translation. BTW I think Evas company Wings and Waves stocks stainless steel carabiners.

The DHV received 2 broken aluminium karabiners from Brazil. Both show
obvious signs of previous damage, which indicate improper use. The
karabiners show peeled off material and grooves. The DHV cannot verify the
information from Brail given regarding the use of the karabiners. It was
stated that they were used for about 350 hours. According to the
manufacturer, these karabiners were produced in 1999 and 2001.
The brake indicates fatigues of the material, followed by a forced break.

The DHV recommends to all PG pilots:
If a karabiners shows any signs of damage or if it does not function
properly, e.g. if the gate jams or if closing requires any input or
pressure, the karabiners needs to be exchanged immediately. Additionally,
prior to every launch, the pilots must check that the karabiner is
definitely closed. This applies to all karabiners, independent of make or
style. The information on the life expectancy of a karabiner, made by the
manufacturer, only applies to undamaged and functional hardware.

The DHV also recommends, as previously published, to use steel karabiners
for both paragliding and hang gliding. Steel last longer and are less
susceptible to damage, wear and tear and material fatigue.