Preliminary Report: Helicopter loses main rotor and tail boom in flight

Bell 222U, Midlothian, Texas, June 2, 2010–The twin-turbine helicopter was destroyed and its ATP-rated pilot and mechanic were killed after it crashed on a return-to-service flight following recently completed maintenance. The helicopter was in cruise flight at approximately 600 feet agl when witnesses say they saw the tail boom and main rotor separate from the fuselage. The aircraft was consumed in the post-crash fire.