The helicopter that crashed in the East River last week was inspected just two days before the accident.

According to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the chopper passed its most recent annual inspection on October 2.

The pilot told the NTSB he climbed 30 to 50 feet in the air before losing control and hitting the river.

Part of the main rotor blade broke off and was not recovered, but most of the chopper was pulled out of the water and is being examined.

The NTSB says a final report on the crash is still months away.

Five people were aboard the helicopter when it went down.

One passenger died and two others were critically injured.

YWN PHOTO LINK #1: Click HERE for photos of the rescue operation.

YWN PHOTO LINK #2: Click HERE for photos of the chopper being removed from the water

(Source: NY1)