Robinson R-22
Refugio, TX — August 29, 2008
Event Information
| Date | August 29, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DEN08CA148 |
| Event ID | 20081003X65753 |
| Location | Refugio, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.36555, -97.11195 |
| Airport | Not Applicable |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Robinson |
| Model | R-22 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land.
Full Narrative
The pilot and non-rated passenger were conducting a wildlife survey of a ranch. The pilot transported his helicopter to the ranch on a trailer and launched from the trailer. According to the pilot he was maneuvering to land on a ranch road at about 50-60 feet and turned into the wind. During the turn he got too slow and the low rotor horn sounded and the low rotor light illuminated. He was unable to recover the descent or go around, resulting in a hard landing. During the landing a main rotor contacted the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom separated from the fuselage.
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.