Incident Overview
A Bell 206 helicopter was stolen from its operator during an on-demand air taxi flight. The aircraft had initially transported a passenger between two airports. Subsequently, the passenger requested the pilot to fly by a mine site. Upon landing at the mine site, an individual carrying a rifle approached the helicopter. The pilot was assaulted and knocked unconscious, after which the helicopter was flown away.
Discovery of Wreckage
The helicopter was located three days later by police, abandoned on uneven desert terrain. The wreckage was described as "rolled up in a ball." Examination revealed that the helicopter had rolled over during a landing attempt.
Forensic Findings
Traces of blood and hair were found in the helicopter's overhead structure above the pilot's seat. Samples of the blood and hair did not match those of the assaulted pilot. The time and date of the accident could not be determined. The identity of the pilot also remains unknown.
Investigation
The theft of the helicopter is being investigated by law enforcement agencies. The probable cause of the accident was not stated in the source.