FALL ON ROCK, FAILURE OF RAPPEL—ROPE INCORRECTLY PLACED

THROUGH FIGURE OF EIGHT

West Virginia, New River Gorge NRA, Fern Point

On May 20, 1994, a climber fell 90 feet because he had incorrectly threaded his rappel rope through a Figure Eight descending device.

The report of the incident was received at 1445, and evacuation completed by 1835. Victim was transported to hospital and treated for fractures of the head, rib cage, clavicle, and pelvis. (Source: J. Cottrell, New River Gorge NR)