ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R22
Pettus, TX — August 8, 2010
Event Information
| Date | August 8, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA466 |
| Event ID | 20100809X64837 |
| Location | Pettus, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.62833, -97.80167 |
| Airport | Private Trailer |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY |
| 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 decision to exit the helicopter with the engine running.
Full Narrative
The pilot herded cattle into a cattle trap and landed to close and adjust some gates, with the intent to take off again. The pilot left the engine running and exited the helicopter. While the pilot was outside the helicopter several cattle "spooked", one of which jumped a fence and came in contact with the main rotor, causing the helicopter to bounce and shake violently. A number of other cattle broke free from the pen and at least one contacted the helicopter, causing it to become airborne for a short period of time before impacting the ground in a nose low attitude. The tail boom and main rotor mast were both partially 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.