FALLING ROCK-HANDHOLD PULLED OFF, FALL ON ROCK, HASTE, NO HARD HAT

Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Base of Irene's Arete

June 24. Leading on 5.3 terrain. Fifty feet of rope out. Number 3 Camalot at my knee. Trying to go fast. Pulled on a hold. It broke off. I tipped over backwards. Bounced and fell 30+ feet on rock fins and ledges. Rope came taught right as I hit a large ledge. Camalot did not pull out.

Analysis

Should not have fallen even when hold broke. Helmet would have eliminated 12 of my 45 stitches. Could have been worse! (Source: Phil Powers, 46)