Date of Event: 11/8/2016
Canyon involved: Keyhole
Region: Lake Mead NRA, Nevada
Country: United States
Submitted by: Sarah Perlotto
Source: Canyon Collective
Injuries: Fracture
Cause: Fall, stuck rope
Description of Event: A group of six canyoneers, mostly beginners, stuck a rope at the third rappel, a dryfall. The group leader began “Batmanning” up the rope to free it, but the rope suddenly became unstuck, and the man suffered a 40′ fall, breaking his pelvis. Four group members hiked out to call for rescue while a fifth stayed with the injured man. The rescue team hauled the man up the dryfall to an evacuation point, where he was airlifted out by helicopter.
Analysis: Attention to anchors, rigging, and rope placement is crucial to prevent stuck ropes. A test pull before the last person rappels is always a good idea. In the event of a stuck rope that is not known to be securely anchored, one should not ascend the rope.