Accident Overview
A private pilot, who held no helicopter rating, landed a helicopter within the confines of a federal correctional center. The purpose of the landing was to assist a convicted drug smuggler, who was serving a life sentence, in escaping custody.
Sequence of Events
After landing, the pilot attempted to lift off with the inmate aboard. During the lift-off maneuver, the helicopter's tail rotor struck a concertina wire-topped fence. The impact caused the helicopter to crash.
Aftermath
Both occupants—the pilot and the inmate—were arrested at the scene. They were subsequently transported to the prison ward of a local hospital. The pilot did not return the NTSB Form 6120.1, Report of Aircraft Accident, to the NTSB's Miami Regional Office as required.
The accident investigation was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or specific date and location were provided in the official source.