The toe-in landings were one of the least worrying things in that video.

Afm sup.13.2-4 no person may be carried unless: - he is a flight crew member; - he is a flight crew member trainee; or - he performs an essential function in connection with the external-load operation.

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.

Thats what I thought also.
No need to fly in a way that any engine malfunction would end in a crash, especially with that good weather and no one loosing his live, if you don’t make it there - and even then the integration of an escape route would be wise....

My thoughts exactly. The torque meter was near maximum and judging by the slip string, the airspeed was near zero for much of that climb up the face of the very steep rock face. No escape route from that configuration. It’s one thing hot dogging to impress yourself when flying solo, but with unknowing passengers on board? Negligent behaviour.

Let's hope he learned his lesson...