Robinson R22 BETA N932SH

Summary

On 18 June 2023 at about 17:35 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA registered N932SH was involved in an accident near Louise, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

18 June 2023 at 17:35

Classification

Accident

Location

Louise, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.1400, -96.4300

Aircraft

Robinson R22 BETA

Registration

N932SH

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Louise → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN23LA245

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in gusting wind conditions.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, it was a windy day and also his first day performing aerial spray operations. While attempting to turn the helicopter from a west to east heading at about 10 feet off the ground, the pilot reported he lost directional control and the helicopter started to spin clockwise. His efforts to maintain control were not successful. He stated that the wind was beating him up, and most of his flight training did not include windy/gusty conditions. The helicopter impacted a rice field, which resulted in damage to the tail boom and rotor blades. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.