Robinson R22 BETA N292DD

Summary

On 10 September 2021 at about 14:30 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N292DD, operated by Concho Aviation LLC, was involved in an accident near Mentone, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

10 September 2021 at 14:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Mentone, Texas, United States

Coordinates

31.8556, -103.4941

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N292DD

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2002

Engines

1

Operator

Concho Aviation LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Sterling City → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN21FA410

1 person died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight was operated for the purpose of gathering cattle. The pilot departed from a temporary staging area and completed multiple passes in the area over an approximate 1 hour and 40-minute period. Ground support personnel observed the helicopter six times during that time; however, there were no witnesses to the accident. The helicopter wreckage was located near a set of powerlines in an area of low brush. One power transmission line was separated and draped over the intact lines. The forward fuselage exhibited localized discoloration consistent with electrical arcing damage. Repetitive linear marks consistent with powerline contact were present aft of the arcing damage. Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot did not see the powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the powerlines.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.