Accident
On November 20, 2017, at approximately 1505 central standard time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registration N4179M, impacted power lines and terrain near Electra, Texas. The helicopter was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as an other work use flight, operated by Carmichael Helicopter Service LLC. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by a post-crash fire. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated at an unknown time.
A witness observed the helicopter herding cattle and heard a horn sounding during low-level operation. The witness reported that the helicopter maneuvered back and forth over power lines, then descended in a nose-low attitude before impacting the terrain and catching fire.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R22 Beta, serial number 4413, a two-seat, single-engine, single-main-rotor aircraft with skid-type landing gear. It was powered by a Lycoming O-360-J2A engine (145 horsepower). The most recent annual inspection was completed on October 23, 2017.
The pilot, aged 25, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating and a second-class FAA medical certificate issued December 15, 2016, with no limitations. On his most recent medical application, he reported 2,100 hours of total flight time, with 400 hours in the previous six months.
Meteorological Information
Weather recorded at 1452 at Sheppard Air Force Base/Wichita Falls Municipal Airport (SPS), near Wichita Falls, Texas, included wind from 190° at 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 25,000 feet, temperature 19°C, dew point -3°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.91 inches of mercury. The peak wind at 1400 was from 190° at 28 knots.
Wreckage and Impact
The main wreckage, including the fuselage, engine, and mast, came to rest on its right side with a heading of approximately 110°, about 21 nautical miles on a bearing of 276° from SPS. The forward fuselage showed discoloration, deformation, and charring consistent with a post-crash fire. Both skids were separated; one skid tip bore semicircular witness marks indicative of arcing. The main rotor blades remained attached to the mast. The beacon light was separated from the tailboom, which displayed sliding witness marks consistent with contact with power lines. The aft portion of the tailboom separated, and the tail rotor driveshaft exhibited a twisting overload separation. The aft tailboom section was found about 27 feet from the main wreckage. One tail rotor blade broke into two sections; one section was located 120 feet away and the other 85 feet away. The sections mated and showed semicircular deformation matching the shape and size of the power line. The engine showed discoloration and deformation from the fire. Flight and engine control continuity could not be established due to fire damage, but observed discontinuities were consistent with overload or melting. A charred horn driver, consistent with an external speaker, was found in the wreckage.
Power lines above the wreckage were damaged: one wire was nicked, another had separated strands, and a nearby cross-arm support was damaged. The power lines were approximately 29 feet 3 inches above ground level.
Medical Information
An autopsy conducted by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences listed blunt force injuries as the cause of death. Toxicological testing by the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute detected naproxen (a non-impairing analgesic) in the pilot's urine; putrefaction was noted in the sample.