incident at Lechuguilla Cave

Date
23rd Nov 1984
Publication
ACA 1983-1984 p. 367
Cave
Lechuguilla Cave
State
New Mexico
County
Unknown
Country
United States of America
Category
Cave
Incident type
Caver fall
Group type
Unknown
Group size
Unknown
Aid type
Unknown
Source
Unknown
Incident flags
 

Injured cavers

No injured cavers recorded.

Incident report

A group of cavers were working on a dig at the bottom of the ten foot pit at the east end of the cave. The pit is easily climbed up a dihedral-like corner. One caver decided to visit other parts of the cave and tried to rush the climb, skipping the "three points of contact" rule. He fell about six feet, landing on his back. The fall was cushioned by a plastic bucket which was squashed from the impact. Friends are now suggesting the caver position buckets below every climb he does. Even on a short climb, you aren't safe if you will land on an easily damaged part of your body when a fall occurs.

Incident analysis

Even on a short climb, you aren't safe if you will land on an easily damaged part of your body when a fall occurs.

Summary

Caver injured after falling six feet while rushing a short climb and not maintaining three points of contact.

References

  1. Dave Allured "Lechuguilla Cave Accident Report" Rocky Mountain Caving 2:1 Winter 1985 p 11
This record was last updated on 27th Apr 2024 at 23:11 UTC. The data was processed and input using AI.