Fubar Numero Dos !!

[Masscre]

[TrailMyx]

Did the tail rotor hit something first or what?  I watched that a few times and I can't make out what hit first?

[Masscre]

I had to watch it like 50 times myself but it appears the tail rotor grabed a wire and it was so quick that it then ripped the whole tail section loose from the heli.

[TrailMyx]

Ok, that makes sense why it seems the tail section seems to break away from the rest of the doomed copter.  What the heck was that pilot doing in that situation anyhow?  "Large whirling blades" and cables generally don't mix well unless you're making a carnival ride....

[Masscre]

The carnival rides usually let you off before they decide to take the ride apart

[Canuker]

Wow, I can't think of what they were trying to do but it clearly ended in fail.

[ximan]

If you watch from 0:09 to 0:11 a couple of times, you'll clearly see a dangling cable sweep from left to right (look for it against the white fuselage area above the open door) and the main rotor strikes it near 0:11.  The main rotor and engine mounting rips loose, and the tail folds under from the torque on the unsupported tail rotor axle.



http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/helicopter-crash-pilot-like-dream-4564078
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/rigger-defends-role-in-viaduct-helicopter-crash-4665258

[TrailMyx]

Ah, that's it.  After watching it again, I also saw the pilot was nearly ejected from the cockpit!  I guess seatbelts are useful afterall!  lol

But that first video you posted was high enough resolution to see that dangling cable.