This browser does not support the Video element.
This browser does not support the Video element.
This browser does not support the Video element.
TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - The helicopter involved in a crash-landing that resulted in the death of a motorist Thursday had possible mechanical problems days before, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Officials with the FAA confirmed it is investigating a reported possible mechanical problem with the Robinson R44 helicopter that took place March 31. At the time, the pilot was the only person onboard the aircraft. It landed safely in Lutz just before 11 a.m.
Thursday just before 3 p.m., however, the aircraft had to be crash-landed on 50th Street in the Palm River area after it suffered a "catastrophic engine failure," according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
During the landing, a portion of the aircraft's rotor broke off and flew into the window of a passing pickup truck, killing the passenger and injuring the driver. The passenger was the father of the driver. Their ages and identities were not released.
The helicopter's pilot and his passenger were not seriously injured, but the sheriff's office said the pilot of the aircraft was taken to the hospital to be checked out.
Traffic along both 50th Street and Palm River Road was blocked and may be for several hours, troopers added.
The NTSB arrived at the scene of Thursday's crash in Tampa and was investigating the circumstances.