Accident Overview
On June 29, 2019, about 1240 central daylight time, a Robinson R-22 (Beta), registration N7143Y, was involved in an accident near Garwood, Texas. The helicopter, operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 crop pollination flight, sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.
Flight Details
The purpose of the flight was low-level crop pollination over a rice field. The pilot reported that while flying approximately three feet above the rice, the helicopter was pushed vertically towards powerlines due to a "gust of air or thermal from the differing vegetation." The main rotor blades impacted a wire located about 45 feet above ground level. Following the wire strike, the helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest in the field. The pilot performed an emergency shutdown and egressed from the helicopter.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, tail boom, and tail rotor system. Damage from the wire strike was observed on the main rotor blades and the main rotor mast. The wire was part of a group of secondary distribution wires carrying 240 volts of power. The wire sustained damage from the impact but remained intact and did not separate from the utility poles. The wire and surrounding wires did not have aerial markers installed, nor were they required to.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.