A cargo parachute release apparatus comprising an assembly plate and a hinged member that is hinged to the assembly plate with a hinge pin. Parachute riser attachment components are positioned between the assembly plate and hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position. An electronic package assembly having a microprocessor having predetermined parameters is provided, and the electronic package assembly has horizontal and vertical accelerometers and a strain gage for collecting data and sending the data to the microprocessor for processing. When the incoming data matches the predetermined parameters that indicate impact has been made, the microprocessor sends a firing signal to an electro-explosive device to detonate which causes the hinged member to open and release the parachute. The cargo is not dragged along the ground, tipped over or otherwise damaged.