FALL/SLIP ON ROCK, EXCEEDED ABILITIES—Oregon, Mt. Hood. David Mickelson (18) fell 700 feet to his death from the face of Castle Crags on Mt. Hood. Mickelson and Brian Miller (18) had started their ascent of Mt. Hood at 6 a.m. on September 9, and had decided to climb Castle Crags, camping out two thirds of the way up. Mickelson apparently went above the campsite to try to find a more comfortable place. About 15 feet up, he apparently stepped on a crumbling out-cropping, which caused the fall. Rescue efforts were made difficult by the rotten rock on this route at this time of the year. (Source: Oregonian, September 10, 1976, further edited by J. Williamson)

Analysis: The climbers chose a bad time of year to climb this route. Mild weather caused a great deal of active rockfall in the area as well. (Source: T. C. P. Zimmermann)