The Bell 420EP has been reported as carrying nine persons. 3 are confirmed dead, two others were pulled unconscious from the wreckage, and the other 4 pax are believed to be deceased, buried under the wreckage.
The pilot is reported as a rotorwing veteran, having flown the same aircraft since 1997. A helicopter crash resulting in total inversion would appear to indicate substantial MR breakup.
3 confirmed dead, 2 rescued, 4 missing in Bell helicopter crash on Mt Hachibuse, Japan.