Shy take a look at how the thing works. It was not the input that failed but lets say the "output" to cancel the input via the feedback mechanism.
It's pretty simple - when all 3 points attached to the lever line up with the servo valve in the neutral position nothing happens as the control shaft moves and cancels the input request.
As the feed back end became detached - nothing to cancel the input - servo motors to the stop and in this case full right pedal?
BTW - Sikorsky has been fitting centreing as the result of accidents or incidents not unlike this one - not pro-actively.
The design and acceptance of the AW models may be under review shortly. If not I will be very surprised.