FALLS ON ROCK, FAILURE TO FOLLOW ROUTE, INADEQUATE PROTECTION

California, Sierra Nevada, Charlotte Dome

On July 7, 1984, Michael Renta (37) was off route on the eighth pitch (5.7) of Charlotte’s Web when he injured his ankle and ribs in a five to six meter tumbling fall. Renta’s partner, David Brown (42), lowered him and took over the lead and was on route, above the crux section, when he fell three meters to a ledge, severely injuring his ankle. Two other members of the China Lake Mountain Rescue Group who were above them returned and helped them up and over the peak, returning slowly to camp, with great pain to the injured climbers. Assessing the situation, the team decided to arrange for an evacuation. (Source: Excerpted from China Lake Mountain Rescue Group Operation Reports, Number 84-9)