Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
General Evacuated; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft
I was jump seating. At cruise I was awakened by a loud noise which sounded like a door fell off one of the cans in the cargo area. [Another deadheading pilot] heard the same noise. We both got out of our seats to take a look through the cargo viewing window when we noticed that the FSS [Fire Suppression System] indicator by L1 showed two red positions (1C/1R). We returned to our seats and notified the crew. They acknowledged our communication and shortly announced that we were diverting [nearest suitable airport]. Prior to landing; we were told that once the aircraft was clear of the runway; we would evacuate. Upon taxiing clear; the aircraft came to a stop and I could hear the crew go through the emergency evacuation checklist. The FO was the first one out of the flight deck and proceeded to open L1 using the emergency handle. The door opened and the slide started to inflate. The slide; however; did not extend and was being held back by its Velcro straps. The slide was finally freed and the FO exited the aircraft by jumping onto the slide as we have been taught. The slide did not provide the proper support and he unfortunately hit the ground extremely hard. He rolled clear of the slide and laid there in pain. After some discussion with the rescue crew; they physically held the slide out and taut which allowed the rest of us to deplane. The FO was cared for by the rescue crew and was transported to the hospital. We had a chance look at the slide and noticed that the support tubing underneath the slide was not inflated. This was no doubt the reason for the injuries sustained by the FO. The crew did a magnificent job keeping us informed and getting the jet on the ground in an expeditious and safe manner. Unknown why FSS activated. Unknown why slide did not properly inflate.
MD-11 flight crew deviated to nearest suitable airport due to a Fire Suppression System fault. The First Officer was injured when the escape slide did not properly inflate; allowing him to hit the ground hard.