Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Asherton, TX — 2015-02-15

Final reportCEN15CA153
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Date
2015-02-15
Location
Asherton, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N7181S
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from the trees.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was herding cattle with the helicopter. He descended to an altitude of about 10 feet to get the cattle to turn and enter a pen. After the cattle entered the pen, he maneuvered away and gained altitude to clear some nearby trees. The pilot thought the helicopter was clear of the trees; however, the tailrotor impacted a tree. The helicopter started to spin, so he reduced the throttle to stop the spin. The helicopter impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage the main rotor blades, fuselage, and tailboom.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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