On March 31, Art Webb (51) was climbing the Piton Crack (5.7) on Skyline Wall when he took a short pendulum fall (under 10 feet) on a traversing tight hand and finger crack. The fall caused him to strike a chunk of rock on a small, jutting arête, breaking his leg just above the ankle. Due to the late hour, and after discussion with medical control, the decision was made for EMS/SAR personnel to spend the night on Old Rag with the victim. A U.S. Park Police air rescue helicopter conducted a litter-hoist evacuation the next day.

Analysis

This was truly a freak occurrence. It is unlikey that the accident could be reproduced. Just poor luck. (Source: Aram Attarian.)