Re: sad time in newfoundland, canada. helicopter crashes into ocean.
Agreed - a very sad time.
I've been surfing some news stories and videos and it looks like the helo was a Sikorsky S-92, which is a very capable helo. It is apparently an outgrowth of the Sikorsky Blackhawk and Seahawk helicopters, so there should be a lot of experience with the basic engine/rotorhead design, control systems, etc. The pic on the Facebook site looks more like a Super Puma to me, but it is similar to the S-92.
I'm not a rotorcraft rated pilot, but I have flown one a couple times with a qualified pilot. Based on some reports that I found on the net, the aircraft declared an emergency, due to a gearbox oil pressure problem. That is a potentially catastrophic problem, because both engines in a helicopter typically deliver power to the drive system (main rotorhead and tail rotor), via the gearbox.
If the gearbox siezed, I would expect the helo to crash pretty quickly. If it only broke in a way that allowed the rotorhead to continue spinning, the pilots might have been able to perform what is referred to as an "autorotation." This manuever is basically a controlled crash that uses kinetic energy and the tendancy of the blades to continue turning as long as there is airflow through them (much like a toy airplane in the wind), to cushion the landing. Even if this occurred, however, if the tail rotor was not functional as well, an autorotation would not been very "controlled" at all.
At this point, my guess is that the crash was pretty violent. This would explain why there aren't more survivors. I haven't seen any reports on whether or not the emergency air bags were deployed, but if they were not, that might be further indication of a severe crash.
I have been to Saint Johns numerous times and always found the people to be warm and friendly. I'm sure that the bonds of family and friendship will help those who lost loved ones, but its still going to be a tough time for them. My thoughts are with all affected.