Executive summary
The aircraft was involved in an aerial work operation during which two men were suspended on a chain attached to the cargo hook. After the men had hooked on they gave the signal for the pilot to lift them off the ground and proceed with the flight. As the second man to hook on eased the weight on his harness to settle into it more comfortably he fell free from the hook. His fall to the ground was unsurvivable.
Related Recommendations
Cancel any approvals for human sling loads which were issued prior to the promulgation of CASO 20.
Ensure that operators are reminded of the requirement to have the equipment used approved by the Ministry of Transport.
Review the procedures in use for releasing the chain from the aircraft if it should become snagged.
Institute a schedule of routine inspections for the equipment once it has been approved.