diff --git a/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp b/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
index be8c5c3a4d..9db73c2c75 100644
--- a/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
+++ b/ArduCopter/crash_check.cpp
@@ -144,6 +144,9 @@ void Copter::parachute_release()
 
     // release parachute
     parachute.release();
+
+    // deploy landing gear
+    landinggear.set_cmd_mode(LandingGear_Deploy);
 }
 
 // parachute_manual_release - trigger the release of the parachute, after performing some checks for pilot error