Lots of operators here do "sled" recovery in the winter, helps the cash flow. Usually you land nearby and a swamper sets the load up, then you come in close so he can hook you up. Lots of slope in this video, and I don't see bearpaws on the skids, or maybe they melted off in the fire. Don't assume your country's rules or conventions are applied everywhere else. Legalities are all incidental in this case - whether they were broken or not has nothing to do with the accident.