Examination of a rock-climbing fatality caused by equipment failure

Climbers rely on anchors for safety; the type of anchor used depends on the rock type. This work describes a fatality caused by rope failure, which in turn was due to the failure of a anchor. Testing of similar anchors revealed insufficient strength in the rock type where the accident occurred.

► This work investigates a climbing fatality caused by use of incorrect climbing anchors.
► Some testing was performed which demonstrated the poor strength of these anchors.
► A number of explanations for their poor strength are advanced.
► A load analysis of the climbing action which caused this accident was made.