During the early afternoon on September 1, Ben Lee (28) fell while rappelling Burn Crack (5.10c) on the Practice Wall. He was on rappel with an ATC when one of the ropes on the double-rope rappel pulled through the device, causing him to fall 15 to 20 feet to the ground. He was placed in a Stokes basket and carried to a waiting ambulance, which transported him to the hospital where he underwent surgery. (Source: Crowders Mountain State Park.)

ANALYSIS 

In this incident knots on both ends of the rope would have resulted in a different outcome. Before descending, always do a pre-rappel check: You and your partner(s) should check the anchor, check the ropes to be sure they reach their intended destination and are even, and be sure they have blocking knots on both ends. Check the rappel device to make sure that it is set up and oriented correctly, check the carabiner gate (locked), and assess the need for a backup. (Source: Aram Attarian.)