Robinson R22
Rosharon, TX — July 25, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 25, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DFW08CA198 |
| Event ID | 20080804X01150 |
| Location | Rosharon, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.63333, -95.61667 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R22 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude.
Full Narrative
The commercial 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, he 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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.