FALL ON ROCK, FOOT CAUGHT IN “QUICKDRAW,” INATTENTION

New Mexico, Cochita Mesa

On December 28, 1989, Cameron Burns (24) fell from the third bolt on Praise the Lunge (5.11b). As he fell, his foot got caught in the “Quickdraw” on the second bolt, causing his body to flip upside down and resulting in a sprained ankle. He had not clipped into the third bolt. (Source: Cameron Burns)

Analysis

It is essential on modern rappel-bolted routes to be aware constantly of where the safety rope is trailing behind the climber. In this case, I wasn’t, and my foot ended up in a snarl during the fall. Had I been paying attention to the rope and where it was in relation to my feet, the sprain would not have occurred. (Source: Cameron Burns)

(Editor's Note: Two other reports from New Mexico involved a climber pinned when a rock shifted and a rappeller entangling himself in his rappel rope 45 meters above the ground. Both required the services of the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council.)