By admin 
PINAL COUNTY, AZ (AZFamily) — A Department of Public Safety air crew is speaking out about the moment they pulled a stranded BASE jumper off a sheer cliffside in the Superstition Mountains.
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The dramatic air rescue was caught entirely on camera.
The call came in Saturday morning just before 6 a.m. A BASE jumper had lost control, drifted off course and slammed into a rock cliff. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office needed help immediately.
Crew describes the terrain and conditions
DPS pilot Jonah Nieves was one of three crew members on board. He said the location presented immediate challenges.
“It’s a very rocky terrain. The location he was at is very steep, like rock spires,” Nieves said.
Heat, wind complicated the mission
The Superstition Mountains added another layer of danger. Wind and summer heat pushed the helicopter’s performance to its limits.
“Superstition Mountains, depending on where you’re at, can be very windy,” Nieves said. “Right now it’s summertime, so we’re dealing with high temperatures, which affects the performance of the helicopter.”
The jumper was able to call the crew and help pinpoint his location. Nieves then took his position on the exterior skids and prepared to lower his crewmate down to the cliff face.
“When everybody’s ready, we start the hoist rescue, and I sent her out,” Nieves said.
Jumper hoisted to safety
Nearly 100 feet below, the jumper was clinging to a narrow ledge with little room to spare.
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“He had just enough space to stand and not fall,” Nieves said. “That’s where we put Trooper Maxey, right next to him. She’s able to use a very quick device that can wrap around underneath his arms.”
The crew successfully hoisted the jumper to safety. Nieves said the outcome could have been far worse.
“I think it was 100% luck where he landed because he wasn’t trying to land there,” Nieves said.
DPS said rescues involving stranded BASE jumpers happen every year in the Superstition Mountains, and weather does not always allow for a flight rescue. Nieves had a simple message for anyone considering the jump.
“Using everything in your tool bag to make sure it’s done safely is probably the best advice I can give,” Nieves said.
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