On 6 Apr 2020, a Robinson R22 BETA operated by Hawker Se 258022 Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Seymour, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While herding cattle, a helicopter's tailrotor struck a mesquite branch, causing a right yaw and two full rotations before a hard landing. No mechanical anomalies were found.
Incident Overview
A pilot was performing cattle herding operations when the helicopter's tailrotor struck a mesquite tree branch. Following the strike, the helicopter began an uncommanded yaw to the right. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft towards open terrain, during which the helicopter completed two full rotations. The pilot then rolled the throttle off, which stopped the yaw, and the helicopter subsequently landed hard.
Post-Incident Examination
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies as contributing to the accident. An examination of the helicopter conducted by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. No further details about the aircraft or circumstances were provided.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationAltitude — Not attained/maintained
Related events
Same aircraft family
20 Apr 2026 — ROBINSON R22
6 Feb 2026 — ROBINSON R22
2 Dec 2025 — ROBINSON R22
14 Oct 2025 — ROBINSON R22 BETA (ESCOLA DE AVIAÇÃO CIVIL ASAS ROTATIVAS LTDAb)