Abstract: Disclosed is a latch mechanism particularly adapted to be used with helicopters or other structures subject to intensive vibrational forces. The latch mechanism includes a hook member which grasps a striker rod. The hook member is carried in a body member which has a recess therein for receiving the hook member. A groove provides access to the recess. The groove is along one edge of the body member and it receives the striker rod as the hook member pulls the striker rod inwardly. A pair of spaced apart curved openings in the hook member provide a cam for controlling the path of movement of the hook member so that the hook member moves between an open position and a closed position along a right angle path of travel. As the hook member changes direction, making a 90 degree turn as it moves along its path of travel, it pulls the striker rod inwardly to the locked position. An actuator arm is coupled to the hook member and moves rectilinearly within a channel in the body of the latch mechanism.