Originally Posted by
MurphyWasRight
Agree that "catastrophically failing" is not the best term, "permanently damaged" or "rendered unusable" would be better.
In any case no matter which way you look at it not having a bearing could lead to a number problems, my thought on cable torsional spring wind up/release interactions being just one of them.
Another question for those who do know.
Have there been any cases of having to use the cable cutting guillotine while hoisting a person?
That would be the ultimate hard decision to have to make. Gives me a queasy feeling just thinking of it.
yes. When the cable gets fouled and cannot be un-fouled.
There have also been situations during engine failures or emergencies (both twin and single engine helo’s) resulting a swift winch out and cut the cable rather than the patient/rescue crewman becoming a sand anchor.
I don’t have time to trawl through reports, it’s not common but cutting the cable does happen.
Most operations also have a quick splice hook on board, so if you need to cut the cable due it it being fouled you can continue using quick splice.