| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike, Peduzzi | 22 | Male | None | Not recorded |
On May 23, 1971, the 60 foot pit was rigged with two 30 foot sections of ladder. Mike Peduzzi (22) started down the ladder, belayed by J.E. Gravennier. When Peduzzi was about 15 feet up from the bottom of the pit, the lower ladder broke (both strands). He fell only about 2 inches before he was caught on belay. Gravennier slowly lowered him to the pit floor. No one was hurt due to the effective belay. The broken ladder was replaced with another ladder then Peduzzi climbed out, belayed, under his own power.
Source: J.E. Gravennier
Analysis: (Gravenider) The cause of the accident was faulty equipment. The ladder was old and had not been tested for over a year. A visual inspection was given to the ladders prior to rigging the pit and they looked O.K. This seems to point out the definite need to have a planned testing of all rope and ladders on a scheduled basis. Also, this accident points out the need for a belay to be used with all ladder work.
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC.