Robinson R22 BETA N122CH

Summary

On 26 June 2018 at about 13:30 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N122CH, operated by Espejo Helicopter Leasing LLC, was involved in an accident near Encino, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 June 2018 at 13:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Encino, Texas, United States

Coordinates

26.7572, -97.9969

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N122CH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2010

Engines

1

Operator

Espejo Helicopter Leasing LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Encino → Encino

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN18CA240

2 people had minor injuries.

The gunner's failure to ensure that the net would not ensnare the helicopter's skids once deployed, which resulted in the pilot being unable to maintain helicopter control as the bull pulled on the net and subsequent impact with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was to capture a bull with a net gun. While the pilot was maneuvering at low altitude, the gunner fired the net at a bull. The net deployed and ensnared the helicopter's skid and the bull. The bull continued to run, dragging the helicopter down, which resulted in the helicopter's collision with terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor, and tailboom, and the pilot and gunner sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.