What happened
Shortly after departing a hospital on a medivac flight, the pilot of the helicopter requested that company dispatch arrange for a mechanic to meet him at a nearby airport due to experiencing "binding in the right pedal."
Witnesses provided varying accounts of the aircraft's final moments. One airport employee observed the helicopter hovering over the ramp and believed it was preparing to land, while four other witnesses reported seeing the aircraft climbing as if taking off. Several observers noted the helicopter spinning or rocking nose-to-tail prior to its descent. One witness described the nose of the aircraft maintaining an east heading while the tail swung back and forth, before the aircraft veered left and disappeared behind buildings. Another witness reported the aircraft was moving in a circle without spinning.
The accident occurred during winds from 200 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts reaching 21 knots. There were no fatalities reported in the source text.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that one of the scuff sleeves on the tail rotor pitch change rod had moved approximately 3 inches aft of the bearing bracket. This sleeve showed signs of damage, including a gouged and scuffed top, slightly curled ends, and a torn forward edge.
Investigators found no other mechanical failures or malfunctions in the engine, airframe, or systems that could have caused the accident. Additionally, the guarded hydraulic cut-off switch was found in the off position.