Original Message

Lots of speculation here, but not a lot of facts....I have only seen one photo (and is is not very clear) of the wreakage. From that photo, it would appear that the aircraft descended vertically, rapidly, with very low rotor rpm.

Why do I think that? In February of 1971 my crew and I survived a combining transmission failure in a CH-47B. After descending vertically through 200 ft of double canopy jungle we hit the forest floor at an estimated 2000 fpm. 
Before the wreakage burned (it was on fire on the way down) it looked very similar to this one. The double canopy jungle most likely was our saving grace.

That being said, let the NTSB sort it out and show respect for our fellow aviators....RIP