Robinson R22 near Rosharon, TX — 2008-07-25

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was maneuvering a single-engine helicopter at a low altitude over a rice field when the tail rotor "dipped into the rice causing it to fail." As a result, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground hard on the skids causing the main rotor blade to flex down and sever the tail boom. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot said, "There is very little margin for error and no time to correct with the ground so close. There is a reason why operating in the shaded area is discouraged." He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies.

NTSB coding

• Loss of engine power (total) · Maneuvering-low-alt flying

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