Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA near Mentone, TX — 2021-09-10

Final reportCEN21FA410
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Date
2021-09-10
Location
Mentone, TX, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Registration
N292DD
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The flight was operated for the purpose of gathering cattle. The pilot departed from a temporary staging area and completed multiple passes in the area over an approximate 1 hour and 40-minute period. Ground support personnel observed the helicopter six times during that time; however, there were no witnesses to the accident. The helicopter wreckage was located near a set of powerlines in an area of low brush. One power transmission line was separated and draped over the intact lines. The forward fuselage exhibited localized discoloration consistent with electrical arcing damage. Repetitive linear marks consistent with powerline contact were present aft of the arcing damage. Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot did not see the powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the powerlines.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided power lines during aerial observation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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