Summary
On August 08, 2010, a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 (N792SH) was involved in an incident near Pettus, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's decision to exit the helicopter with the engine running.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA466. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N792SH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to exit the helicopter with the engine running.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA466