[going hot]

Looked likely the engine quit, and he autorotated and flared perfectly, but on water. Must have been low leveling prior, not enough time to pick and choose the spot to land.

Pilot probably had his hands on the release lever of the harness as he hit the water and let go the cyclic.

The passengers, probably not, and the cold water and panic no doubt prevented smooth action in the few seconds they had before rollover and dive.

If not prepared and trained, not much chance to get out in time.

[nuconvert]

They knew they were going down, so the pilot should have announced to the passengers to have their hands on their own release levers so they had a chance to get out. They were all still belted in when the rescue workers arrived.