Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 201781259 - Firefighter Is Killed In Fall During Helicopter Training

Accident Summary Nr: 201781259 -- Report ID: 0935000 -- Event Date: 07/21/2009
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
313586778	07/22/2009	0851	115310	U.S. Forest Service

Abstract: On July 21, 2009, Employee #1 was a firefighter participating in rappel proficiency training at the Backbone Helibase in Willow Creek. He stepped onto the skid of the helicopter in preparation for rappelling. There was an improper connection of the J-Hook to Employee #1's harness Tri-link. A rubber O-ring is all that connected the two pieces of hardware. When Employee #1 leaned back to begin his rappel, the rubber O-ring broke, severing Employee #1's connection to the J-Hook on the Ski-Genie. Employee #1 fell 200 ft to the ground and was killed.

Keywords: firefighter, helicopter, fall, fall protection, rappelling

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	313586778			Fatality	Other	Occupation not reported

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