The causes of mountaineering accidents are divided into “Immediate Causes” and “Contributory Causes.”
Immediate Causes:
1) 39.4% Tripped or Slipped on Rocks
2) 11.3% Slipped on Snow or Ice
3) 7.0% Struck by Falling Rocks, Ice, or Other Objects
4) 6.1% Exceeded Their Abilities
5) 4.3% Illness
6) 3.8% Trapped
7) 3.3% Avalanche
8) 3.2% Rope Failure
Contributory Causes:
1) 16.9% Free Solo Climbing
2) 15.1% Exceeding Physical Limits
3) 12.0% Inadequate Protection
4) 11.3% Inadequate Gear/Clothing
5) 7.8% Weather
6) 6.6% Climbing Alone
7) 5.7% No Helmet
8) 3.4% Improperly Secured Rope
