PIEPS Beacon Failures

[Cars0n`]

Friend of mine posted this on a facebook group but for those who don't have access, here is the info. I just copied if from the post. Personally I do run this beacon so ill have to have a closer look at mine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGKiX6F...5WOPxDV7hntpYWGa3EJXhcDhoi2QzwaN-FwaG0zuQ8bYA

Bri Howard

Hey friends,
While I’ve been largely off social lately, I realize the potential it has to harness change. So here I am, making an appeal.

As most of you know, my late husband, Corey Lynam died in an avalanche at Hanging Lake near Whistler in March 2017. At the time of the accident, he was using the Pieps DSP avalanche beacon - a device designed for “fast, accurate searches in the event of a slide.” But in Corey’s accident, his beacon failed. Fellow backcountry skiers couldn’t locate him because of the fundamental design flaw which turned the beacon into the wrong mode during the avalanche. It took upwards of 40 people, rescue crews and dogs to locate him, but after 4+ hours buried, it was too late and he passed away. The Pieps DSP failed to perform what is was specifically designed to do - save Corey’s life or at least give him a fighting chance.

With the help of lawyers, I notified Black Diamond (owners of the Pieps beacon) in writing and asked for an official recall in 2017 due to the obvious design flaw. Black Diamond stated they were doing an internal investigation but never got back to me, answered my calls or recalled the beacon. It’s still out there and widely used. I was advised at the time that posting about it or going to the media would open me up for a potential suit from Black Diamond. At the time, I was a newly single mother, trying to make ends meet and navigate how the hell I was going to move forward with my life. The thought of that scared me and I felt silenced. So instead, I went from store to store that sold the beacon trying to get it off the shelves, sharing Corey’s story, but most people I spoke to said that if there wasn’t an official recall, they wouldn’t be willing to lose the revenue from the beacon - it was a best seller... Corey’s death and my experience wasn’t enough. It was gutting. So, each year, as the season changes to winter, I hold my breath and wait for the first of the avalanches, praying that the next one isn’t a skier wearing the Pieps beacon.

But last winter, it happened. A pro skier, Nick McNutt, was wearing the Pieps beacon and was caught in an avalanche. Similarly to Corey, the design flaw was clear. The beacon slide into the wrong mode and the rest of the team wasn’t able to get a signal. If it wasn’t for the fact that he was being filmed, they wouldn’t have been able to locate him with probes as quickly as they did.

Since then, he and fellow pro skiers, including Christina Lusti (who has made several recent posts in frustration), have also contacted Black Diamond about the design flaw and have been spreading the word to the backcountry community. Black Diamond claimed Nick’s accident was the first they’d heard of where the beacon switched modes. They failed to acknowledge my letter (which they legally have to keep on file) or Coreys accident. They have been dragging their heels and not responding to the call for a recall from me and from Nick and countless other members of the backcountry community. More and more people are coming forward with accounts of their beacons switching modes.

And now, another ski seasons upon us. Only this year, with Covid and resorts limiting access, the backcountry is going to be busier than ever, causing people to push further and further out. I’m scared for this season. I’m terrified of this happening to someone else. And I’m sick of being scared silent. So please, friends, spread the word to your friends who backcountry ski. Let’s get this beacon off the shelves and recalled!!!

Nick and Christina’s posts on the their accident:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGKiX6FnesY/...

Here’s a video Black Diamond made as a weak attempt to try cover themselves:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGT6EzAlgLn/?igshid=8u4rl1ik7ux6

 

[Caper11]

I have a DSP pro. I cannot replicate this issue on mine. Even if the slide is not in the locked position, the beacon turns off when put in its holster, and is easily noticed, and a loud audible click is heard when the slide goes to the off position and in the send position.
When powering up my beacon at the truck, I make sure my batteries are good and that slide is locked.

The holster is part of the safety device, maybe just maybe the beacon was put in a jacket pocket and left it more venerable to damage??

 

[banditpowdercoat]

Yes. It's sad that 2 have lost lives using these. BUT, I personally think the circumstances were operator error. I to, can not replicate the issue on mine. That said, if you are not watching when you turn on, and don't look at the screen adn confirm boot up, ya, one could turn right form off into search. BUt to me, that is operator error. Same thing as going out with almost dead batteries. Or not turning on at all....

No matter how many "fool proof" features are put into things, someone WILL mess it up with undue care and attention. Happens. Even the pro's slip up, and some have paid the ultimate price.

Again, my comment is to no way make light, or shift blame of the tragedies that have happened. But the Pieps DSP is trusted in many professional circles. Not just sledders, but all walks of winter life.

 

[Caper11]

Yes. It's sad that 2 have lost lives using these. BUT, I personally think the circumstances were operator error
Again, my comment is to no way make light, or shift blame of the tragedies that have happened. But the Pieps DSP is trusted in many professional circles. Not just sledders, but all walks of winter life.

I agree. I also did not mean to come across as shifting blame or making light of the situation.

 

[skegpro]

Simple solution. Get the Barryvox.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

No disrespect,.. I multiple test before, and during use, no issues found. Been using since 2015 and will continue to use my Pieps sport. You physically have to push the button in to change selection,.. done properly it should not change by itself.

 

[Caper11]

I seen the vid, definitely something wrong with that beacons slide. Wether the safety notch is full of lint or dirt or just wore out. I dunno, but with slight pressure it will move into the search mode or off without pushing the lock button.
I definitely could not get mine to replicate their problem.

Excellent info, and I thank the OP for sharing the info. It was good to double check to make sure this was going to be a issue for me, and it looks like other are checking their equipment as well.
I will be watching this closely for signs of trouble tho.

 

[Turts]

The first thing the guy looked for was a broken lock button. It was cracked wasn’t it?
I checked mine and I couldn’t force it to slide.

 

[1200]

Thanks for the warning there are lots of others to choose from . Don't know why anyone would risk there beacon not working. If there's a chance my beacon isn't going to work then what's the point of wearing it. If u won't trust it on your son than just throw it in the trash.

 

[mclean]

I know you guys are all checking yours while sitting in front of your computer but, if you were getting thrashed down the mountain with tons of snow on you, would/could the lock button be pressed and the slider slide? Or could the slider move with the force of an avalanche?

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I know you guys are all checking yours while sitting in front of your computer but, if you were getting thrashed down the mountain with tons of snow on you, would/could the lock button be pressed and the slider slide? Or could the slider move with the force of an avalanche?

I usually have to remove my gloves to push the unlock button and move the lisde,.. or press with my left hand and slide with my right with my gloves on.

 

[rodney1960]

Pieps dps sport is the only beacon I trust.

You can take that to the bank. Hot rod says it's good.

 

[Depsnolvr]

Its great to see people talking about more than the loudest can....

If anything this article and the buzz around it will bring to light proper maintenance and use of your transceiver. Slides, switches and electronics can wear out. If you are still using a unit that is 5 years old, it may be time to think about buying another one. These are life saving devices.

The main point here is knowledge of the transceiver you choose to use, maintenance of it and learning the little glitches it may have. Many people simply turn the thing off and on a couple times a year and that is the extent of their time with it.

Please take some time and get very familiar with your chosen transceiver. It may save yours or a loved ones life one day.

 

[Caper11]

I know you guys are all checking yours while sitting in front of your computer but, if you were getting thrashed down the mountain with tons of snow on you, would/could the lock button be pressed and the slider slide? Or could the slider move with the force of an avalanche?

How is that going to move in a avy when its in its holster??? The beacon is secured tight and is protected. The slide is locked in the send position in the pic.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

How is that going to move in a avy when its in its holster??? The beacon is secured tight and is protected. The slide is locked in the send position in the pic.

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My thoughts would be that it could potentially have slid on these people while inserting the beacon back into the holster. I know I always visually look at mine to make sure it has not moved after I slide it in, as it can be kinda awkward putting it in behind the strap (see pictures).

I just checked mine and it’s a very propounded ‘lock’ that I can’t push past. So I feel confident with mine.

 

[scotts]

My thoughts would be that it could potentially have slid on these people while inserting the beacon back into the holster. I know I always visually look at mine to make sure it has not moved after I slide it in, as it can be kinda awkward putting it in behind the strap (see pictures).

//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/7b41e21c7e1c85d3cb1b60c9062a906d.jpg//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/3677fe471efbc4bb5dee15d679b75009.jpg//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/9e8923b57f5d3fbd20f0835392711e70.jpgIve

I just checked mine and it’s a very propounded ‘lock’ that I can’t push past. So I feel confident with mine.

IVE had the DSp pro slide into different modes a Couple of times,. always while inserting it back into the case!
I’ve had it move from receive back into send while putting it away to dig during a couple Different rescue practices causing other searchers to get multiple signals at the burial location! Potentially confusing a search and delaying a retrieval! One time on a course with Frozen pirate during a rescue scenario every one switched over to receive and I was still sending, embarrassing as well as life threatening! I used to love the Pieps but just don’t trust it completely anymore and have since replaced it!

 

[Caper11]

My thoughts would be that it could potentially have slid on these people while inserting the beacon back into the holster. I know I always visually look at mine to make sure it has not moved after I slide it in, as it can be kinda awkward putting it in behind the strap (see pictures).

//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/7b41e21c7e1c85d3cb1b60c9062a906d.jpg//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/3677fe471efbc4bb5dee15d679b75009.jpg//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201018/9e8923b57f5d3fbd20f0835392711e70.jpg

I just checked mine and it’s a very propounded ‘lock’ that I can’t push past. So I feel confident with mine.

I wish I could share the vid I was sent on Instagram. I watched Nick slide the switch into the off position and onto the send position, not sure how much force he was using but there was alot of creaking plastic before it moved. There is obviously something wrong with that unit, wether its a worn or damaged lock button, or a wore out detent on the slide, heck there could be dirt in the detent preventing the lock to latch properly.

Yesterday I purposely made sure it was not locked without hearing the click, in the send position and pushed it back into the holster. That will turn it off when pushing it back into the holster but it was not locked.
I always make sure it was locked into the send position while waiting for it to power on to check the battery level. It is also very visible while in the case what position the slider is in.
You can try this yourself and see what im trying to explain.

As someone mentioned above, it is very important to get familiar with the safety device a person choses to use.

I thought the BCA tracker 2 was a great beacon until I really used it on a AST 1 course. In the middle of a dig drill, it became apparent the slider is easily bumped back into send, and my group started picking up my beacon. This happened more than once. The peips pro that was in our group, seemed to find the target alot quicker, I even tryed it myself, now I own one.

At the end of the day, I have confidence in Mine as well, the moment I feel this slider becomes a issue or there is another issue, I will upgrade

 

[RGM]

First of all full disclosure , I use to be a Pieps dealer and have sold 1000's of Pieps many to S&M members with about 200 of those the Pieps DSP Pro and Sport (the ones in question) I have sold many to friends , my family uses them and so do I. If there is an issue with safety it has to be dealt with promptly and seriously. I think Black Diamond has failed on both of those counts. I have seen videos of people easily changing the switch from send to off or search while the beacon is in their hand and in it case. This is not hard to do. I have never seen or can do myself turning the beacon to off/search while the beacon is worn properly down around your abdomen and under your jacket and screen facing your body. That being said I am not dismissing the experience of the people where the switch has changed on them. I think BD needs to address this issue and one cost effect way would to be to bring out a redesigned case where it is impossible to push on the locking tab and where the beacon is fully covered by the case. Right now part of the switch is exposed. The previous version of the beacon was fully enclosed in the case.

With any safety equipment you need to use it properly and again BD has failed big time by showing pics of the beacon being inserted with screen out and also put in a pants pocket. The only place to wear your beacon is down on your abdomen. If you are buried in an avalanche the first think you hope for is that you have survived, the second thing is that your beacon has also survived. Having your beacon up on you ribcage or pelvis or femur if in your pocket it is much more likely to not survive an impact with a tree, your sled etc if it is up against something hard vs something soft like your abdomen.

Know your safety equipment and practice regularly

 

[rknight111]

Question for all users:
Do you do a beacon check on all riders at the truck or stop in one at a time to the BCA beacon checkers that most of the clubs have at the pay shack?

If this is done it will also show you that your beacon is on and operating properly. There was once I walked up to the shack and didn’t have a green circle, just a red X. Checked mine and sure enough wasn’t on. Good for these extra failsafes the clubs provide.

 

[Depsnolvr]

Question for all users:
Do you do a beacon check on all riders at the truck or stop in one at a time to the BCA beacon checkers that most of the clubs have at the pay shack?

If this is done it will also show you that your beacon is on and operating properly. There was once I walked up to the shack and didn’t have a green circle, just a red X. Checked mine and sure enough wasn’t on. Good for these extra failsafes the clubs provide.

Hey Ron, While those BCA checkers are amazing reminders for your transceiver, people should think of them as the LAST safety checkpoint prior to heading up the trail. A properly done self group check should become part of every groups morning procedures.