Information on the rocket parachute and the risks it poses to rescue personnel

The rescue units had no information on the rocket parachute present in the aircraft.

The Emergency Response Centre Administration should add an advanced warning – for communication to those issuing accident alerts and units participating in rescue operations – to the duty officer’s instructions (MORA) or the forthcoming ERICA operating system, about possible rocket parachute cartridges on aircraft, particularly in case of medium-sized and small air accidents.

An unactivated rocket parachute could pose a serious hazard to people close to the scene of an accident and any rescue personnel involved. Warning signs indicating rocket parachutes are not always visible at the scene of accidents. The current instructions for emergency duty officers (MORE) make no mention of the possible danger posed by emergency parachutes powered by rockets on aircraft.

The rescue units had no information on the rocket parachute present in the aircraft.