Drybone Canyon Rescue

On December 29, 2018, H-80 assisted National Park Service in Death Valley and Inyo County Search and Rescue (SAR) with a rescue of a hiker in a very deep canyon in Death Valley. A hiker had sustained injuries during a fall and had “ledged out” in a canyon, unable to ascend or descend. He activated a personal locator beacon (PLB) and initiated an emergency response. Rotor clearance was a huge factor, limiting maneuverability during the rescue. An Inyo County SAR member, Max Gallegos, was inserted via hoist to the victim. Max packaged the victim for a hoist. H-80 hoisted the victim, then the victim’s gear, and finally Max, for a total of four hoists. Max has trained with us and did a fantastic job. A very successful outcome to a very technical rescue.

Posted in 2018, Missions Reports.