# NTSB CEN18FA035: Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N4179M, Electra, TX, November 20, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: November 20, 2017, 15:05 local (21:05 UTC) - Place: Electra, TX - Coordinates: 34.002498, -98.900833 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0025&lon=-98.9008&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report October 10, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Lycoming Engines, Robinson Helicopter Company, Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 96350 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN18FA035 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96350/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96350 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA035 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 1,311 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 589 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 589 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 589 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 15 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 794 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, 82 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640110), [All aircraft, 10,152 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The commercial pilot was flying his company's helicopter during a low-altitude cattle herding flight. A witness saw the helicopter maneuvering over power lines; it subsequently descended in a nose-low attitude to ground contact and was consumed by postcrash fire. Both the power lines above the helicopter wreckage and the helicopter itself exhibited damage consistent with in-flight contact with the lines. An onscene examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter. ## Factual narrative N4179M, serial number 4413, was a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, two-place, single main rotor, single-engine helicopter, with a spring and yield skid-type landing gear. A 145-horsepower Lycoming O-360-J2A engine, serial number L-40955-36E, powered the helicopter. The primary structure of its fuselage was welded steel tubing and riveted aluminum sheet. The tailcone was a monocoque structure consisting of an aluminum skin. Fiberglass and thermoplastics were used in the secondary structure of the cabin, engine-cooling system, and in other ducts and fairings. The doors were constructed of fiberglass and thermoplastics. A copy of a logbook endorsement showed that the helicopter's most recent annual inspection was completed on October 23, 2017. On November 20, 2017, about 1505 central standard time, a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, N4179M, impacted power lines and terrain near Electra, Texas. The commercial pilot was fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed by post crash fire. The helicopter was registered to the pilot and operated by Carmichael Helicopter Service LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 other work use flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which originated at an unknown time. A witness in the area saw the helicopter herding cattle and heard a horn sounding during the low-level operation. He watched the helicopter maneuver back and forth over powerlines until it descended in a nose-low attitude. The helicopter impacted terrain and a ground fire ensued. The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, performed an autopsy of the pilot and obtained toxicological samples for testing. The autopsy listed blunt force injuries as the cause of death. The FAA Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) prepared a Final Forensic Toxicology Accident Report on the samples taken. The CAMI report, in part, indicated the sample sustained putrefaction and naproxen was detected in urine. The CAMI description of Naproxen stated that it is a nonnarcotic analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, which is available in prescription and nonprescription forms. It is not considered impairing. At 1452, the recorded weather at the Sheppard Air Force Base/Wichita Falls Municipal Airport, near Wichita Falls (SPS), Texas, included wind from 190° at 15 kts; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition few clouds at 25,000 ft; temperature 19° C; dew point -3° C; altimeter 29.91 inches of mercury. Peak wind at 1400 was from 190° at 28 kts. The 25-year-old pilot held a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot certificate with a rotorcraft helicopter rating. He held an FAA second-class medical certificate issued on December 15, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for that medical certificate, he reported accumulating 2,100 hours oftotal flight time and 400 hours in the previous 6 months. The main wreckage, to include the fuselage, engine, and mast, came to rest on its right side with a 110° heading about 21 nautical miles and 276° from SPS. The fuselage forward of the firewall was discolored, deformed, and charred consistent with a postcrash fire. Both skids were found separated from the fuselage and one skid tip displayed semicircular witness marks consistent with arcing. The main rotor blades remained attached to its rotor mast. The helicopter's beacon light separated from the tailboom and the tailboom displayed sliding witness marks consistent with powerline contact. The aft portion of the tailboom separated and its tail rotor driveshaft was torn. The twisting separation of the driveshaft was consistent with overload. The aft section of the tail boom was found about 15° and 27 ft from the main wreckage. One tail rotor blade separated and its two liberated sections were found. The tail rotor blade tip was found about 340° and 120 ft from the main wreckage and the other section of the tail rotor blade was found about 80° and 85 ft from the main wreckage. The liberated blade separation surfaces mated and these sections exhibited semicircular deformation consistent with the shape and size of the powerline. The engine was discolored and deformed consistent with a postcrash fire. Flight and engine control continuity could not be established due to the fire damage. However, all observed discontinuities were consistent with overload or melting separations. A charred shell of a horn driver, consistent with an external speaker, was found in the wreckage. According to powerline repair personnel, the powerlines above the helicopter wreckage were damaged. One powerline was nicked and another line displayed strands that were separated. A nearby cross arms support was damaged. The powerline height was about 29 ft 3 inches above ground level. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4179M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4179M-2019-11-12), registration cancelled 2019-11-12, S/N 4413, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O-360-J2A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-j2a) (registry code 42314, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 4413 - Year built: 2008 - Airframe hours: 2193 - Engines: LYCOMING O-360-J2A 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Carmichael Helicopter Service LLC - Registered owner: Pilot - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 23, 2017 - Departed: Electra, TX - Destination: Electra, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; injuries: fatal; commercial; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,100 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 15 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.90 inHg - Observed at: KSPS, 21 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20171120024689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20171120024689A), Nov 20, 2017: Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, Electra, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Helicopter was destroyed in a post-crash fire after tangling with power lines while herding cattle. ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 23, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96350. 58.3 MB in all. - Memorandum for Record – Interview Sumary -- Aaron Howell (item 1, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466796&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20%E2%80%93%20Interview%20Sumary%20--%20Aaron%20Howell-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records (item 2, .PDF, 453 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466797&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records-Master.PDF - Photos (item 3, .PDF, 20 photos, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466798&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos-Master.PDF - Maps or Charts of Accident Area (item 4, .PDF, 50.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466799&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps%20or%20Charts%20of%20Accident%20Area-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 5, .PDF, 152 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466800&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report - CAMI 201700241001 (item 6, .PDF, 334 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466801&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report%20-%20CAMI%20201700241001-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - CAMI Description of Naproxen (item 7, .PDF, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466802&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20CAMI%20Description%20of%20Naproxen-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 8, .PDF, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40466803&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.