Air Force Squadron Halts Rappelling After Fatal Fall

The Air Force’s 6th Combat Training Squadron has suspended all rappelling and rope-training activities and demonstrations until further notice after Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died from injuries sustained in a fall at San Antonio’s Alamodome. Patterson, a 15-year veteran and Tactical Air Control Party instructor, fell from the stadium rafters during a pregame demonstration before the UTSA-Navy football game on Oct. 17. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The circumstances of the fall remain under investigation, and the Air Force has not said when the pause will end or whether it applies beyond Patterson’s squadron. Patterson was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year in 2022.