Parachute malfunction mars hot air balloon fest

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – A near accident marred the 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival here yesterday after the main parachute of one of the participants failed to open during an exhibition.

The participant, identified only as an ”experienced policeman of Zambales,” jumped from an aircraft but his unopened parachute fell down.

The parachutist decided to  abandon his main parachute, which fell to the ground, and open his reserve.

“He landed safely without a scratch within the designated area,” said retired Air Force Col. Alex Espinosa, president of the Skydive Zambales.

Espinosa explained that even if the main parachute failed, the reserve would automatically open at past 1,000 feet.

“We have incorporated all safety measures for the parachuting exhibits,” he said.

The hot air balloon festival opened on Thursday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of tourists this weekend.