Summary
On February 14, 2020, a Robinson R44 (N441KA) was involved in an incident near Marfa, 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 failure to maintain clearance from a fence during low-altitude maneuvering.
The helicopter pilot reported that he was flying parallel to a 10 ft barbed wire fence while herding cows into a livestock pen. While maneuvering, the helicopter's tail rotor struck the fence and the helicopter spun multiple times to the right. The helicopter ascended about 10 ft and the pilot retarded the throttle and lowered the collective to the full down position to minimize the rapid right spin. The helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest upright causing damage to the tail rotor drive system and tail boom.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN20CA085. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N441KA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence during low-altitude maneuvering.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that he was flying parallel to a 10 ft barbed wire fence while herding cows into a livestock pen. While maneuvering, the helicopter's tail rotor struck the fence and the helicopter spun multiple times to the right. The helicopter ascended about 10 ft and the pilot retarded the throttle and lowered the collective to the full down position to minimize the rapid right spin. The helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest upright causing damage to the tail rotor drive system and tail boom.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA085