The commercial pilot was maneuvering the helicopter over a rice field when the tail rotor “dipped into the rice causing it to fail.” As a result, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground hard, causing the main rotor blade to flex and sever the tail boom. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot said, “There is very little margin for error and no time to correct with the ground so close. There is a reason why operating in the shaded area is discouraged.” He also reported there were no mechanical deficiencies.
July 25, 2008, Rosharon, Texas, Robinson R22
The commercial pilot was maneuvering the helicopter over a rice field when the tail rotor "dipped into the rice causing it to fail." As a result, he lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the ground hard, causing the main rotor blade to flex and sever the tail boom.
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial helicopter experienced an accident when its tail rotor struck a rice field, failed, and led to a loss of control, resulting in a hard impact and severe damage.
- The pilot attributed the accident to the extremely small margin for error and lack of time to correct when operating close to the ground, emphasizing the risks of "shaded area" operations.
- No mechanical deficiencies were reported, indicating pilot maneuvering close to the ground was the primary factor.
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