What happened
A pilot requested to rent a helicopter from an operator, presenting a pilot certificate and flight log book for inspection. However, the operator failed to record the pilot's credentials or obtain contact information such as an address or telephone number. Furthermore, no checkout in the specific helicopter was performed prior to the flight.
The operator observed the pilot perform a hover, take off, and depart the traffic pattern. Following the departure, the operator received a telephone call from the pilot reporting that he had landed the helicopter "hard" at the North Dallas Jetport, which was undergoing construction at the time. The pilot requested a pickup at the site.
Upon arrival at the North Dallas Jetport, the operator discovered the helicopter lying on its side. The pilot could not be located at the scene, and injury is presumed. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the FAA had no record of the pilot possessing either an airman certificate or a medical certificate.