A small, fist-sized piece of steel known as the “Jesus nut” could hold the key to understanding the devastating helicopter crash that killed a Spanish family of five and their pilot in Manhattan earlier this week.
This crucial component, which secures the main rotor to the mast of some helicopters, is believed to have been a factor in the tragic crash. Experts have speculated that it could have caused the helicopter to break apart in midair.
Aviation analyst Julian Bray discussed the incident, explaining that the main rotor detached from the helicopter, as seen in a video where the blades are seen spinning away from the aircraft. The loss of the rotor is believed to have caused the fuselage to break apart, with the wreckage then plunging straight into the Hudson River, just off Pier 41.
Bray further explained that it’s standard practice to regularly inspect the “Jesus nut” as part of helicopter maintenance. “There is a procedure that needs to be checked every time it’s serviced,” he said. “Without that bolt, the entire structure of the helicopter would fall apart.”
Experts believe that the “Jesus nut” either failed or wasn’t properly tightened, potentially shearing off in midair and leading to the fatal crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the helicopter’s rotors are still missing as the investigation continues.
The term “Jesus nut” is thought to have originated during the Vietnam War, referring to the grim reality that if the nut detached, the only hope left was to pray for survival.
The crash, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, tragically claimed the lives of the pilot, 36-year-old Navy veteran Sean Johnson, and the Escobar family, consisting of Agustín Escobar, 49, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, Augustin, 10, Mercedes, 8, and Victor, 4. Mercedes was just a day away from celebrating her 9th birthday in New York.
The family had been touring the city in the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, which broke apart mid-flight and fell into the river 25 minutes into their sightseeing tour.
Earlier records show that the helicopter had experienced a transmission issue in September, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration. At that time, it had logged over 12,700 hours of flight time.
Relatives of the Escobar family shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their sorrow and gratitude.
“There are no words to describe what we are experiencing, nor to thank you for the warmth received,” the post read, signed by 19 family members. “These are very difficult times, but optimism and joy have always characterized our family. We want to preserve the memory of a happy and united family, in the sweetest moment of their lives.”