The back of a seat came away from Thorpe Park’s Vortex as it swung from side to side up to 65 feet from the ground.
Dad Ricky Taylor, 36, was on Thorpe Park’s Vortex with four pals on Saturday.
He said: “A mate was filming us when a bit came away.
"There was the back of a seat and a bolt lying on the floor. I think they came off a seat labelled ‘Do Not Use’. I couldn’t believe it. We were held there for about ten minutes.”
Ricky says he pointed out the bolt to staff. He adds: "When we got off staff were just stood around laughing about the situation, which I found odd."
His group left the park soon after the 3pm incident.
He says that he was planning to take his children there next month but after the experience is reconsidering the visit.
The ride spins up to 32 people in gondolas that also swing back and forth. It was closed as a precaution last year after a teen died on a similar ride in Ohio, US.
The ride, built by Dutch company KMG, has reportedly been closed on several occasions this year for maintenance work.
Park owner Merlin said a foam piece had come off a chair that was out of service.
A park spokesman said checks found no missing bolts. The ride reopened 15 minutes later.
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