A possible failure of the critical ‘Jesus nut’ may have caused the deadly New York helicopter crash that killed a family of five and their pilot.
A devastating helicopter crash in New York has claimed the lives of a family of five and their pilot. It sparked fears that a critical mechanical failure — involving the infamous “Jesus nut” — may have led to the tragedy.
As investigators search for answers, grieving relatives have shared an emotional tribute to their lost loved ones.
Aviation experts suspect mechanical failure led to fatal helicopter crash
Experts believe a catastrophic mechanical issue may have caused the helicopter to plummet into the Hudson River. Aviation specialist Julian Bray pointed to the “Jesus nut” — a single bolt that secures the main rotor — as a likely culprit. If that bolt fails, the helicopter loses lift and control instantly.
Bray explained that the Bell 206 helicopter’s main rotor appeared to detach mid-flight. Video footage confirms that the blades separated from the fuselage before crashing.
He told ‘The Sun’, “The blades spun away from the aircraft, slicing through the back half, and the fuselage dropped like a stone into the Hudson.”
Who were the victims of the NY helicoper crash?
The crash took the lives of Agustín Escobar, the president of Siemens Spain, his wife Merce Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, aged 4, 8, and 11.
The family had just arrived in New York hours before the incident to celebrate one of their daughters’ birthdays.
The 36-year-old pilot also perished. Authorities confirmed that four individuals died at the scene. Additionally, two more succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
Video footage shows helicoper breaking apart in mid-air
Shocking footage from bystanders showed the helicopter spinning erratically before the blades detached.
Witnesses described a loud “sonic boom” as the aircraft disintegrated. The Bell 206 helicopter then plunged into the Hudson River, near the New Jersey side, at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Speaking to Daily Mail, aviation attorney and former military pilot Jim Brauchle said: “The rotor appears to have struck the tail boom, breaking it apart. This would be an unrecoverable event.”
Similarly, aviation lawyer Justin Green, a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, said the pilot had no chance once the aircraft lost its main rotor. “They were dead as soon as it happened. There’s no way to recover from that kind of failure.”
Family issues heartfelt tribute after helicopter crash
In the days following the tragedy, Joan Camprubí Montal posted a letter on behalf of both families. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the message read:
“The Escobar-Camprubís will always be among us, with their joy and vitality. These are very difficult times, but we want to preserve the memory of a happy and united family.”
A touching photo of the family in Times Square accompanied the message. The post expressed gratitude for the public’s support and announced that relatives would travel to New York to repatriate the bodies.
“They left together, in the sweetest moment of their lives. They leave behind an indelible mark.”
Operator Speaks Out About the Crash and Suspected Rotor Failure
Michael Roth, 71, owner of New York Helicopter — the company behind the ill-fated flight — confirmed that the helicopter was running low on fuel. The pilot had radioed that he needed to land, but never made it.
Roth stated, “The only thing I know by watching the video is that the main rotor blades weren’t on the helicopter. I haven’t seen anything like that in 30 years in the helicopter business.”
He added that the cause may have been a bird strike or rotor failure but emphasized that he had no definitive answers. Roth described himself as “devastated” by the tragedy.
Investigation underway to confirm the cause of the helicoer crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation. While the weather was clear, video footage shows the helicopter flying erratically moments before the crash.
Investigators will examine whether the Jesus nut was faulty, improperly maintained, or sheared mid-flight. Such a failure would result in the helicopter losing its main rotor — effectively ending all control over the aircraft