[rey]

Any speculation from those familiar with helicopters what happened, other than it was made in China? Kinda of a weird auto rotate thing but there is an explosion before impact.

Video and more story and links at the source.

[Eddie01]

It was probably carrying Wuhan Lab hard drives with all the gain of function research data.

[pfflier]

Loss of tail rotor control. That is what caused the counter-torque spin. Just before he went in the main rotor blades contacted the fuselage and opened the gas tank. That is what caused the fire.

You always gotta remember that helicopters don't fly, they just beat the air into submission. Four crew RIP.

[RedStateRocker]

Whatever issues I have with our enemies, the government of China, condolences to the brave firefighters. Takes guts anywhere, anytime to run (or fly) INTO the fire.

[mass55th]

"Any speculation from those familiar with helicopters what happened, other than it was made in China?"

It wasn't on its way to rescue another tourist from a destroyed glass-bottomed bridge was it?

From yesterday:

Chinese tourist clings to glass-bottomed bridge 330 feet in the air after high winds blow floor panels out"

"The tourist held on for 35 minutes while firefighters and police officers attempted to rescue him, and he eventually crawled to safety, Xinhua reported. Nobody was injured, but the tourist was moved to a hospital and is receiving counseling, the outlet said."

The poor guy had to crawl to safety. I bet I know what that "counseling" consisted of.

[RitchieAprile]

[Paladin2]

“The Z-8 helicopter is a Chinese version of the French Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon helicopter.”

[UNGN]

It was made in China.

Tailrotor control cables, tailrotor drive gearbox, tailrotoor drive shaft...

...and a Pilot that tried to flight out of it, rather than just shut everything down.