re: If you needed a reason not to stand under a sling load

quote:

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that load falling is on the pilot?

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Not necessarily, there are two types of hook releases, mechanical and electrical. The hook will be disassembled with manufacturers and probably the Feds present. The entire hook release electrical circuit on the helicopter will be gone through thoroughly and checked.
Important to note, the hook operator on that particular helicopter is seated backwards facing the hook and load behind the pilot in command. He has flight controls to maneuver the aircraft under the load to be lifted. If there is any loss of power from the engines where the safety of the aircraft is in jeopardy, that load is released immediately.
So, too early to point to a cause or lay blame at this point.