Willow Helibase Rappel Fatality 2009

Willow Creek Helibase was established to support the Backbone Fire on the Six Rivers National Forest in Northern California. The Chester Helitack crew was one of three helitack crews that were planning to conduct proficiency rappels the morning of July 21, 2009. Proficiency rappels are required every 14 days to maintain technical competency if the helitack crew is not conducting operational rappel assignments. The Chester crew began preparing for their proficiency rappels after another crew had completed their proficiency rappels. After being given the command to step out of the helicopter by the spotter, Chester Rappeler Thomas Marovich, Jr., was observed by people on the ground beginning to position on the helicopter skid and then falling down the rope at an excessive speed and disappearing behind some vegetation. Response by helitack crews on the ground and emergency medical personnel was immediate but attempts to stabilize him were unsuccessful. Rappeler Marovich was declared deceased about 30 minutes after the event.

Helicopters, Aviation, Fatality, Equipment