Helicopter Crash-Lands On Florida Roadway, Rotor Blade Kills Truck Passenger

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.