If below 1,000 feet without a landable parachute, what should a skydiver do?

The correct action when a skydiver finds themselves below 1,000 feet with an unlandable parachute is to immediately deploy the reserve parachute. At this altitude, the time available for decision-making and corrective action is extremely limited. Deploying the reserve parachute gives the skydiver a chance to regain control and salvage a potentially dangerous situation.

If a reserve parachute is available and functioning, it can provide a viable means of landing safely, even under high-stress circumstances where other options may not be feasible. Skydivers are trained to handle malfunctions with urgency, avoiding panic and taking the necessary steps swiftly to ensure their safety.

In this scenario, preparing for a controlled landing without a functional parachute would not be viable since the parachute is unlandable. Remaining calm and waiting for assistance is not practical either, as there would not be enough time for help to arrive in this critical moment. While attempting to steer towards a landable area is important in general, if the parachute is confirmed to be unlandable, deploying the reserve parachute becomes the priority action to maximize the chances of a safe landing.