Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) helicopter flew over the landing area and was on downwind when it suddenly turned to the right. The helicopter then descended at a high rate of speed in a nose-low attitude and impacted a building.
Postcrash Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the lateral control rod end fitting had separated from the control rod. The fitting's bearing did not move freely when compared to a normal rod end bearing. Additionally, the rivet that normally passes through the lateral control rod and rod end fitting was missing. Dark and white deposits were found in the threaded region of the rod and rod end fitting. Laboratory analysis determined that these deposits were aluminum oxides.
Maintenance History
Maintenance records indicated that the control rod had been inspected and modified by Heli-Tech when the helicopter was first acquired. The helicopter was delivered to the LCSO at about 3,546 total flight hours. Following receipt from Heli-Tech, the operator's maintenance log did not show any specific maintenance entries related to the control rods. At the time of the accident, the helicopter had accumulated 4,419.4 flight hours.