Originally Posted by
Tandemrotor
The one thing that seems pretty obvious from today's pictures is that this wasn't a 'crash' per-se. As others have suggested it seems like a pretty superb attempt at a forced landing. The cause of the aircraft's rapid, and undoubtedly involuntary descent is likely to remain the subject of speculation for some time yet. But the fact remains, this aircraft was 'landed', albeit in the most difficult circumstances it is possible to imagine.
Every bone in my body strongly suggests that this pilot did the most fantastic job in those crucial seconds. Tragically, he and others were dreadfully, dreadfully unlucky.
Such a great shame. I'll offer a toast tonight.
Well said, sir. I agree and I'll toast him too.
For what it's worth, I have over 5000 hrs at night in helicopters and about 18K total.