FALL ON ROCK, INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT—ROPE DIAMETER TOO SMALL FOR BELAY DEVICE

North Carolina, Crowders Mountain, David’s Castle

On September 25, 1994, Dante Taylor (26) was solo climbing about 1800 on the cliffs near David’s Castle. He could not find a good hand hold, so he began down climbing. He was about 35 feet off the ground when be began to fall. He attempted to cinch off his climbing rope in his belay device (The Soloist). He was unable to do so and free fell to the base. He suffered lacerations and contusions and some internal injury, but was released from the medical facility that evening.

Analysis

A witness stated that Taylor’s belay device did not work because the diameter of his climbing rope was too small for it. (Source: Deidri Sarver, Ranger)