Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot was conducting an external load operation using a 50-foot sling line. After lifting off the ground, the pilot initiated a left pedal turn. During the maneuver, the sling line became fully extended, and a ground witness observed the helicopter dragging the cargo basket across the ground.
Loss of Control
The helicopter became unstable as the pilot attempted to correct for a right roll condition. Control was lost, and the helicopter descended and impacted the ground on its right side. The pilot did not use the release system to jettison the load.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot did not jettison the load using the release system. The circumstances leading to the loss of control included the full extension of the sling line and the subsequent dragging of the cargo basket.