On September 26, 2002, a Robinson R22 BETA (registration N888MH) was involved in an aviation accident near Freer, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while manuevering. A factor was the sunglare. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter struck a 25-foot-high power line during cattle herding, then shook violently, yawed, autorotated, and rolled over on its left side after touchdown.
Incident Details
A helicopter was engaged in cattle herding operations, flying from the east directly into the sun in a sideward flight attitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with a power line suspended 25 feet above the ground.
Sequence of Events
Immediately after striking the power line, the helicopter began to shake violently and experienced a hard left yaw. The pilot responded by rolling off the throttle and lowering the collective control to initiate an autorotation. During the descent, the helicopter made a three-quarter turn to the right before contacting the ground. It landed flat on its skids but subsequently rolled over onto its left side, coming to rest in that position.