Robinson R22 N334DC

Summary

On 8 July 2019 at about 22:30 local time, a Robinson R22 registered N334DC, operated by Trans-Pecos Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Water Valley, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 July 2019 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Water Valley, Texas, United States

Coordinates

31.8350, -100.6867

Aircraft

Robinson R22

Registration

N334DC

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2003

Engines

1

Operator

Trans-Pecos Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Water Valley → Water Valley

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN19LA245

Nobody was injured.

The loss of helicopter performance for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger of the helicopter were conducting a wildlife survey when the engine and main rotor began to lose rpm. The pilot lowered the collective, rolled the engine throttle control to full power, and attempted to regain the engine and main rotor rpm without success. The pilot conducted a forced landing to an opening in the canopy of vegetation below the helicopter, during which the helicopter rolled over onto its left side, resulting in the separation of the tail boom and substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor. An examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; and the reason for the loss of performance could not be determined with the available information.   

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.