Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA accident near Mentone, TX
On September 10, 2021, a Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Mentone, TX. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- September 10, 2021
- Place
- Mentone, TX
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 31.856°N, 103.494°W
- NTSB ID
- 20210910103836
Official records · CEN21FA410
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
On September 10, 2021, about 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N292DD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mentone, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. The flight was operated for the purpose of gathering cattle. GPS position data revealed that the flight departed a local staging area about 0749. The pilot proceeded about 3 miles east and, beginning about 0752, completed multiple passes in an approximate 3-mile by 3-mile area. Ground support personnel observed the helicopter six times between 0800 and 0840. About 0859, the pilot transitioned to an area about 2 miles north of the initial area and completed multiple passes. The final GPS data point was recorded at 0926:37 about 1/2-mile north of the accident site. Due to data buffering in the GPS device, the final portion of the flight was not recorded. The wreckage was discovered about 1557 and local authorities were contacted. There were no known witnesses to the accident. The helicopter wreckage was located about 50 ft from a set of power lines in an area of low brush. The powerline support poles extended to about 50 ft above ground level (agl); the transmission lines were about 45 ft 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
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.
More accidents in TX
- Kubicek BB85, Jul 30, 2016
- Robertson C-414, Jul 29, 1982
- Textron Aviation B-300, Jun 30, 2019
- Beech B100, Nov 26, 1983
- Consolidated-Vultee PBY-6A, Oct 13, 1984
Browse: Texas · Robinson aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
