Shows poor design of the hi-line on two counts:
1 - The weak link used a commercial nylon snap buckle.
2 - The line used was elasticated and hence allowed the load that built in the line to release and recoil.
Other experienced SAR operators in Australia use mil-spec cord for the weak-line which has a defined break strength. Use of commercial products like this always runs the risk of the supplier changing the design of the product without alerting the end user. From the report looks like they 'improved' the buckle then making the end ring the weak point.
Looks like Priority One is still selling these:
https://priority1airrescue.net/produ...way-weak-link/
Someone in Australia should set up a one-stop SAR shop to sell this equipment to the rest of the industry. Maybe we should call it SARQUIP.