29 Aug 2008: Robinson R-22 — Coastal Bend Helicopter Services LLC

29 Aug 2008: Robinson R-22 — Coastal Bend Helicopter Services LLC

No fatalities • Refugio, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot and non-rated passenger were conducting a wildlife survey of a ranch. The pilot transported his helicopter to the ranch on a trailer and launched from the trailer. According to the pilot he was maneuvering to land on a ranch road at about 50-60 feet and turned into the wind. During the turn he got too slow and the low rotor horn sounded and the low rotor light illuminated. He was unable to recover the descent or go around, resulting in a hard landing. During the landing a main rotor contacted the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom separated from the fuselage.

Contributing factors

  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 150/10kt, vis 10sm

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