Topic: Mast Bumping

A fatal sightseeing helicopter crash in the Hudson River involving a family from Spain and a Siemens executive is analyzed. While some aviation experts suggest "mast bumping"—a phenomenon where rotor blades strike the tail boom during negative G-force maneuvers—the lack of turbulence or sudden altitude changes suggests a catastrophic mechanical failure instead. Speculation arises regarding the use of refurbished parts or counterfeit Chinese components in the maintenance of the Bell helicopter involved.