Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Encino, TX — 2018-06-26

Final reportCEN18CA240
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Date
2018-06-26
Location
Encino, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N122CH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The gunner's failure to ensure that the net would not ensnare the helicopter's skids once deployed, which resulted in the pilot being unable to maintain helicopter control as the bull pulled on the net and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to capture a bull with a net gun. While the pilot was maneuvering at low altitude, the gunner fired the net at a bull. The net deployed and ensnared the helicopter's skid and the bull. The bull continued to run, dragging the helicopter down, which resulted in the helicopter's collision with terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor, and tailboom, and the pilot and gunner sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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