On February 7, 1997, about 0100 eastern standard time, a Hughes 269A, N9061R, registered to Crystal River Helicopters, Inc., crashed during an attempt to steal the helicopter from the operators facility at Homosassa, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the unauthorized flight. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the non-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the owner/operator of the helicopter, an unqualified person attempted to steal the helicopter from his helipad located on the company property. The helicopter was first discovered with the tailboom separated and the main structure elevated and in an upright position. There was no postcrash fire. The pilot fled the scene after the accident and was apprehended in the area.