The fact he was testing a parachute would suggest he was well aware of the consequences.
Perhaps it was more that risk taking and dying young from various illnesses was a thing that happened around you a lot, so you were more accustomed to it and didn't expect to live to 80.
...ignorant of what would happen if it failed.
Then why was he testing a parachute in the first place? I think he had a better idea than you give him credit for.