PAXboy
i can confirm firsthand it was a kettle filled with liquid concrete.
3top, Recuperator
at the press conference Roy Knaus personally told in front of the cameras, "the load leaved the helicopter and the pilot feeled the release IMMEDIATELY and lost the load out of the view in the mirror."
This two points and all other versions and rumours are tales by medias or selfnamed "experts" coming out of every holes now.
It's seems absolutely clear that knaus or the pilot have not broken any law in preparation. The whole job was right approved and in line with the austrian, german or switzerland (as Alps countries) laws. Several helicopter operators from this countries and the national authorities have stated now that they would give the approvements and would have done the job in the same way.
There are no questions about this points. The one and only question is why released the hook the load?
I found this as an example from US on the web:
http://classichelicoptercorp.com/index.htm
"Note: The Mobilization Rate may vary if the project site is outside our local area or in a city where special permits are required. If the work is to be performed in a densely populated or congested area, we need two weeks notice so that the proper permits can be obtained. Lifts performed in non-congested areas can be executed on short notice. "
OK, Knaus hold all the permits...
Cyclic Hotline
CHAPTER 102. EVALUATE A PART 133 CONGESTED AREA PLAN
"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that external-load operations are in the public interest and do not inherently pose an undue risk to the public."
"Densely Populated Area. Title 14 CFR§§ 91.313 and 133.45(d) use the term “densely populated” area. Those areas of a city, town, or settlement that contain a large number of occupied homes, factories, stores, schools, and other structures are considered densely populated."