FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE BELAY, MIS-COMMUNICATION

Massachusetts, Rattlesnake Cliff

On June 21, 1984, I was climbing on Rattlesnake Cliff and was nearly at the top of the pitch with a top rope. I did not have my climbing shoes on and was getting very little traction. Because the last section was on tiny holds, I decided to climb back down. I shouted, “Slack,” and got a third of a meter or so. I shouted, “More slack,” and apparently my partner thought I was on a platform and not wanting a belay. Just at that moment, I slipped and fell about ten meters to the bottom, resulting in a fractured bone. (Source: H. Adams Carter, Milton, MA)

Analysis

There was a misunderstanding and a lack of communication. (Source: H. Adams Carter, Milton, MA)