On May 18, 2005, a Robinson R22 BETA (registration N995JW) operated by Joseph M Meyer was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Springs, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a static line. A contributing factor was the low altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a low-altitude wildlife trapping flight, a helicopter's landing skids caught power lines while maneuvering around a tree. The skid broke, causing the helicopter to fall and come to rest on its side.
Incident Overview
A helicopter engaged in a wildlife trapping flight encountered power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. The pilot and passenger were pursuing a blackbuck, with the passenger intending to deploy a net over the animal. The helicopter was flown at low altitude to facilitate this operation.
Sequence of Events
As the helicopter maneuvered out of a draw and around a cedar tree, the pilot observed power lines directly ahead. The pilot attempted to climb over the lines, but the landing skids caught the top wire. The helicopter briefly hung suspended from the power lines before the right landing skid broke under the strain.
Outcome
Following the break of the landing skid, the helicopter fell to the ground and impacted, coming to rest on its right side. The source does not provide further details on the condition of the occupants or the extent of damage beyond the broken skid.