Discuss..... For the purpose of education....
Thank you sir.
Blades yes, intact - upright and not showing signs of over pitching. That does not mean they were not very close to that number.
These R22's can fall fast enough before actual blade stall to be very seriously injurious to occupants.
Other eyewitness reports, I would go straight to the forward short shaft, couplings and or flex plate assy's first. It could be that a flailing short shaft may have ruptured a fuel tank (has happened years ago over here) which spilt toward hot engine upon arrival at ground.
It would be hard to correlate a spinning aircraft with belt failure, simple engine failure or other driven / driving restriction and still have blades thus at arrival.
Praise for the pilot also for putting it down upright in a confusing situation, sorry it didn't turn out better.
High praise also for the people on the ground, to just run forward instead of backward takes courage for starters and to be clear headed about a rescue is most worthy.
Condolences to family and those affected by this.
tet