On Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 10:34:20 AM UTC-4, BobW wrote:
As for the report's claimed missing pawl spring...I must be getting dense in
my old age, since I'm still puzzled by the intended function and line of force
of that implicated piece of (missing?) hardware.
Back to the hook design - what am I missing? Thanks!

Bob W.

If I understand correctly, the missing spring pushes the pawl
in the direction opposite of pulling the release knob.
Otherwise, the pawl is not secured in the "latched" position,
except by a bit of friction with the hook plate (from the
spring that is present and any rope tension).

Do I understand correctly??