Systems and methods to cut a closing loop to deploy a parachute. The system includes a cutter with a body with a cutter opening that extends through the body and a blade that is movable across the cutter opening. Processing circuitry is configured to signal the cutter to move the blade across the cutter opening. A mount includes a base, a retainer with a channel sized to receive the cutter, and a mount opening that extends through the mount and across the channel. The cutter is configured to fit within the channel with the cutter opening aligned with the mount opening to form a through-opening such that the closing loop extends through the cutter and the mount.