Accident Details
On September 10, 2021, at approximately 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registration N292DD, was substantially damaged when it collided with power lines near Mentone, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerial observation flight for gathering cattle.
GPS position data indicated the flight departed a local staging area at about 0749. The pilot proceeded about 3 miles east and, beginning around 0752, completed multiple passes over an approximately 3-mile by 3-mile area. Ground support personnel observed the helicopter six times between 0800 and 0840. At about 0859, the pilot moved to an area about 2 miles north of the initial area and conducted additional passes. The last GPS data point was recorded at 0926:37, about half a mile north of the accident site. Due to data buffering in the GPS device, the final portion of the flight was not recorded.
Wreckage and Evidence
The wreckage was discovered at about 1557, and local authorities were contacted. There were no known witnesses to the accident. The helicopter was located approximately 50 feet from a set of power lines in an area of low brush. The powerline support poles extended to about 50 feet above ground level (AGL), and the transmission lines were about 45 feet AGL. One power transmission line was separated and draped over the intact lines.
The helicopter sustained damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades. The fuselage nose exhibited localized discoloration consistent with electrical arcing damage. Repetitive linear marks consistent with powerline contact were present aft of the arcing damage. The aft portion of the tail boom, including the tail rotor assembly, was separated and located near the main wreckage. Fragments of the tail boom in the area of separation showed scuffing marks consistent with contact with a main rotor blade. Both main rotor blades and both tail rotor blades were damaged but remained secured to their respective hubs.
Examination
Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.