stagg54 wrote:
Provided you use it correctly the rope should stop you from taking the big plunge (ie all the way to the ground).
However even if you fall say 20-30 feet and don't hit the ground (ie. the rope does its job an stops you), there are plenty of ledges and other things to hit and swing into which can cause pr
oblems.
There is also the issue that rope is not indesctructible and can be cut.
Of course, the number one reason the whole system fails is most likely pilot error. (ie. someone does not tie in correctly belayer drops them, etc.)