Federal investigators have released their preliminary findings in their examination of a helicopter crash that injured two people in Bartlett last month.

KVUE News / file

The pilot and a passenger were hurt when the single-engine Robinson R44 helicopter hit the ground after takeoff April 28. Investigators say conditions were clear, and it appears the helicopter's tail skid and rotor hit an embankment and the helicopter rolled on its side.

The pilot and passenger both escaped with minor injuries, but investigators say the passenger, William Aldridge, went back to the helicopter to get a briefcase and was severely burned by a fire that broke out. He was rushed to Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators say the pilot, who owned the helicopter, had bought the aircraft just seven days before the crash from a flight school, and it was reassembled by a local mechanic. They also say no flight plan was filed for the helicopter and it was unclear where the aircraft was headed.