N387AC

Substantial
Minor

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETAS/N: 1631

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA180
Location
O'Donnell, TX
Event ID
20090301X05233
Coordinates
32.920276, -101.076110
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control while performing a quick stop maneuver to an out of ground effect (OGE) hover. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude and near calm wind condition.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N387AC
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1631
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1990
Model / ICAO
R22 BETAR22
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
CHILES DON L
Address
PO BOX 1331
Status
Deregistered
City
LAMESA
State / Zip Code
TX 79331-1331
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was conducting a predator control mission when he spotted wild hogs in an approximate 20-acre field of Salt Cedar trees. The pilot made a quick stop at an out-of-ground effect (OGE) hover in an attempt to move the hogs out in the open. The pilot stated that the low rotor RPM horn and light activated. He immediately stopped to regain rotor RPM. As the aircraft approached the edge of the trees towards an open field, the wind stopped and the rotor dropped to approximately 90 percent. The pilot observed an increase in airframe vibration followed by a hard left roll. The helicopter main rotor blades struck the ground in a 90-degree bank and came to rest on its left side. The pilot was not injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot stated that the approximate gross weight at the time of the accident was 1,370 pounds. The helicopter performance charts indicated maximum weight for out of ground effect hover was 1,320 pounds for the weather conditions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA180