Incident Details
A helicopter conducting a wildlife anti-depredation flight experienced damage to a main rotor blade after a net-gunning attempt. The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude with two net gunners seated in the aft cabin, one on the left and one on the right.
Flight Maneuvers
According to the pilot, he entered a left bank while pursuing a deer. The deer was positioned between the 8 and 9 o'clock relative to the helicopter. One of the net gunners fired a net at the deer, but the net missed its target.
Post-Flight Inspection
Simultaneously with the net shot, the pilot heard an unusual "whooshing noise" emanating from the helicopter. He performed a precautionary landing. During engine shutdown, he observed an unusual discoloration on the main rotor disc. An examination of the main rotor blades revealed a large hole in one blade, approximately 5 feet from the blade tip. The net that had been fired was recovered and found to be missing one of the weights normally attached to its corners.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to a main rotor blade. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.