Abstract: A supported ring (11) is locked in the load retaining eye (12) of a hook by a locking jaw (14) carried by a rotatable cam (44) which holds the locking jaw (14) in the locking position by engagement with a releasable latch (50). The locking position is maintained by a coil spring (64) connecting the latch (50) and cam (44). A lanyard (70) is connected to the releasable latch (50) for disengaging the locking edge (56) of the latch (50) from the cam (44) to arm the hook assembly (10). The spring (64) also urges a cam ejecting surface (48) against the load carrying ring (11) and maintains pressure on the ring (11) after arming so that when the load is released the ring (11) will be ejected from the eye (12). The lanyard (70) extends from the releasable latch (50) to the cam (44) where it is engageable with the cam (44) for manual rotation of the cam (44) to eject the ring (11) in the event of spring (64) failure.