EASA SIB 2021-02: Rotorcraft Cargo Hook Installations — Impact on Sling Load Operations

What to do

Operators and competent authorities should consider the identified risks when planning and conducting sling load operations, including planning for possible load drops and emergencies requiring load jettison. They should protect third parties and ground personnel by obtaining necessary overflight approvals and using auxiliary equipment to minimize direct ground interference. Additionally, operators must develop and follow checklists, training, and SOPs as required by Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, and obtain High Risk Authorisations for certain commercial specialized operations if applicable.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2021-02 is a safety information bulletin addressing rotorcraft cargo hook installations and their impact on helicopter external sling load operations (HESLO). It highlights risks associated with cargo hook design and operations, including inadvertent load loss and entanglements, affecting all rotorcraft performing sling load tasks. The bulletin does not target specific aircraft or engine models but applies broadly to rotorcraft involved in sling load operations.

What changed

This bulletin introduces awareness about the design assumptions and reliability of rotorcraft cargo hook systems and the related operational risks. It clarifies that the design approval covers only the cargo hook and its mechanical fixation, excluding equipment below the hook such as long-lines or buckets. It also provides probabilistic expectations for cargo hook failure and emphasizes the need for operational risk assessments without mandating regulatory changes or airworthiness directives.

Why it matters

The bulletin matters because it informs aviation professionals about potential hazards in sling load operations that could lead to serious accidents, including load drops and entanglements that threaten personnel and third parties. Operators and inspectors must understand these risks to implement appropriate safety measures and comply with existing regulations, especially when operating in populated or sensitive areas. It also highlights the importance of training, checklists, and standard operating procedures tailored to sling load operations.