Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Fort Davis, TX — 2015-04-03

Final reportGAA15CA032
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Date
2015-04-03
Location
Fort Davis, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N8363D
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during flight, which resulted in the helicopter impacting terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was positioning the helicopter to have the sole passenger take a photograph of an animal and a settling with power condition occurred. The pilot stated that a gust of wind came from a nearby hill and began to push the helicopter toward the ground so the pilot conducted a running landing to an open field. During the landing, the pilot reported that the helicopter struck an anthill and rolled sideways. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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