Which of the following is a common cause of sling-load failure?

• A. Improper rigging
• B. Weather conditions only
• C. The aircraft is under loaded
• D. The pilot's inexperience

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is that sling-load failure most often happens when the load isn’t rigged correctly. If the rigging is off—attachments chosen or placed incorrectly, slings too long or too short, improper tension, or damaged hardware—the load won’t sit level under the helicopter. That causes instability in flight: the load can swing, shift its center of gravity, or even contact the aircraft or hooks, increasing the chance the load could come loose or fail to lift safely. Proper rigging keeps the load balanced, the sling lines clear of tangles, and the attachment points secure so the helicopter can lift and fly with predictable behavior.

Weather can influence flight safety and can complicate handling, but it typically doesn’t by itself cause sling-load failure. The pilot’s experience matters for safe handling, but without correct rigging the risk remains highest.