Full Report:

On October 10, 2009, at 2045 eastern daylight time, a Bell OH-58A, N911AF, operated by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, was substantially damaged following a hard landing at Ocala International Airport (OCF), Ocala, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot and the private-rated copilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight which departed OCF, about 1854. The public-use flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot stated that while on final approach for landing, about 120 feet altitude, he felt a "vibration" and the helicopter experienced a loss of engine and rotor rpm. The pilot stated that he lowered the collective for an immediate landing and heard the low-rotor warning horn during the descent. The helicopter experienced a hard landing, and rotated to the left after touchdown. Once the helicopter "settled," the pilot closed the throttle and exited the helicopter. The copilot submitted a written statement, and his account was consistent with the pilot's. The helicopter was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector. The examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. Additionally, the main rotor blades were damaged and the tail rotor blades were "destroyed." The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter, airplane single engine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second class medical certificate was issued in September 17, 2009. The pilot reported 1,945 total hours of flight experience, 1,680 hours of which were in helicopters. The copilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land and rotorcraft-helicopter. His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued December 27, 2007. The copilot reported 1,390 total hours of flight experience, 1,213 hours of which were in helicopters. According to FAA and operator records, the helicopter was manufactured in 1971, and had accrued 8,043 aircraft hours. The helicopter was originally delivered to the United States Army, and was maintained under a Military maintenance program. It's most recent inspection was completed August 27, 2009. At 2035, the weather conditions reported at OCF included clear skies, calm winds, visibility 10 miles, temperature 27 degrees Celsius (C), dew point 21 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of mercury. The helicopter was examined by representatives of the airframe and engine manufacturers under the supervision of the FAA inspector on October 13, 2009. Examination of the helicopter revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The engine was then removed from the helicopter for a detailed examination at a later date.