Air Force suspends rappelling training after airman fatality

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died during a public rappelling demonstration, prompting his squadron to halt all rappel and rope training operations. The suspension remains in effect while officials conduct a safety review of the training protocols and procedures.

Airmen in the affected unit who depend on rappelling and rope skills for their roles or career progression now face training delays. The incident may trigger broader safety assessments that could reshape how the Air Force handles high-risk training activities across the service.