Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 near Matagorda, TX — 2017-06-21

Final reportGAA17CA356
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Date
2017-06-21
Location
Matagorda, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22
Registration
N901KC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an agricultural flight in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while flying downwind during rice field pollination operations, he "lost control" of the helicopter. The helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles west of the accident site reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 360° at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The same weather observation station reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 18 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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