What probably happened to the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River near New York City. As explained by the U.S. Army, mast bumping can cause the mast to separate & the main rotor to come off. RIP to the 6 who perished.

Here's a closeup of the main rotor from the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River falling.

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The only problem with the mast-bumping theory is that the mast is still attached to the transmission. But the transmission is not attached to the airframe.

The FAA has a few explanations. The main rotor could have hit the tail with no mast detachment & the energy could caused rotor & transmission to tear off. Just have to wait for the investigation. FAA: "Low-G mast bumping has been the cause of numerous military and civilian fatal accidents. It was initially encountered during nap-of-the-earth flying, a very lowaltitude tactical flight technique used by the military where the aircraft flies following the contours of the geographical terrain. The accident sequence may be extremely rapid, and the energy and inertia in the rotor system can sever the mast or allow rotor blades to strike the tail or other portions of the helicopter."

That's what I was thinking. We flew TH-57s in initial training and had to be cognizant of mast bumps. After that, CH-46E, and then had to worry about other things

Someone commented on the Army helo video. "a Helicopter is trying to kill you as soon as you start the engine." Glad I only fly drones.

Mast bumping shears the mast. The transmission is still attached. So no, not mast bumping.

People really want to keep trying to helicopter a thing. Enough with the helicopters.

Sad. Prayers for all affected.

Very good find, very informative thank you. Thoughts and prayers to the family of those affected

Bell 206 has a known problem with rotor mast separation. Lots of documented cases. Single big ass nut either fails or was not properly inspected and kept torqued/secured.