Accident Overview
A helicopter operating with a 100-foot external load cable was involved in an accident during a load movement. The helicopter was positioned in a hover over a 618-pound load, and loaders attached the load to the cable. After signaling the pilot to depart, the loaders observed that the cable was drooped over the aft portion of the left skid.
Flight and Crash Sequence
The crew attempted to signal the pilot, but as the helicopter began to lift the load, the aircraft entered a rearward and left-turning pendulous motion. The helicopter subsequently crashed nearly inverted onto wooded terrain.
Post-Accident Conditions
Following the accident, the 100-foot cable was found above the helicopter in a tree, extending to where it was wrapped around another tree. All circuit breakers were found in the open position. The cargo hook, which featured both manual and electrical release mechanisms, was torn from the helicopter.