| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer, Dave | Not recorded | Male | Broken leg, severe laceration | Not recorded |
Lee Critchlow, Ellen Raber and Dave Spencer had descended the 75-foot entrance pit of Hosterman's Pit. Critchlow and Raber were waiting in a small room adjoining the entrance shaft while Spencer was at the bottom of the pit. After receiving an off rope signal, Russell Turner climbed the short metal ladder down to a wooden platform located at the top of the shaft and rigged into the rope. Apparently a rock that had been wedged under the platform worked itself free and fell. Since the pit is essentially free there was no warning. Spencer was sitting at the bottom of the pit removing his prusik safety when the rock hit his leg a few inches below the knee. The rock was several inches across and shaped like an ax head.
Direct pressure was applied to the wound for 10 minutes, but upon removing the bandage, the wound started bleeding again. It was then noted that a blood vessel had been cut and stitches would be required. Spencer decided to ascend under his own power, but when he attempted to move he suffered intense pain. This was the first indication that the victim had a broken leg. Although the three cavers could have pulled Spencer out of the pit, they decided that additional help and equipment would reduce the possibility of further injury and provide a better safety factor in case of any unforeseen problems. Three members of the Nittany Grotto Rescue Team responded within 45 minutes. Spencer's leg was splinted to a rappel rack. The victim was placed in a Stokes litter, but because of the narrowness of the pit, the litter had to be pulled vertically up the shaft.
Analysis: "This accident, like most, need not have occurred. Although Dave is one of the most careful cavers that I have been associated with, he should not have given an off rope signal until he was clear of the pit. In addition, I should not have entered the pit until making sure that he was clear. Both of us took the pit too lightly. Since Hosterman's Pit is one of the cleanest pits that I have ascended (free of loose debris), this experience should demonstrate the need to remain clear of a pit when it is being either ascended or descended." (Turner)