A parachute release mechanism includes a housing, a strap hinge pin pivotably mounted to the housing, a cord coupled to the housing, and a cord tensioner coupled to the housing and coupled to the cord, wherein the cord tensioner is configured to impart a desired tension to the cord. The strap hinge pin is pivotable between a secured position and a released position, wherein in the secured position the strap hinge pin is configured to support a suspension strap for a payload and in the released position the suspension strap is enabled to disengage from the strap hinge pin. The cord is configured to retain the strap hinge pin in the secured position.