# NTSB DFW05LA022: Robinson R22 Beta, N995JW, Eagle Pass, TX, November 8, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 8, 2004, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Eagle Pass, TX - Coordinates: 28.70111, -100.468055 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.7011&lon=-100.4681&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 24, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 60570 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW05LA022 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60570/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA022 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - high vegetation - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis While maneuvering at a low altitude while herding cattle, the helicopter began an uncontrolled yaw to the right. The 6,000-hour commercial pilot attempted to correct with full left pedal, but could not arrest the right turn. Unable to control the helicopter, the pilot initiated a landing to a confined field containing brush and high vegetation. The helicopter contacted the ground at a high rate of descent and came to rest in an upright position. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter. ## Factual narrative On November 8, 2004, approximately 1030 central standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta single-engine helicopter, N995JW, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Eagle Pass, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cattle herding flight. The local flight originated from a private ranch, approximately 30 minutes earlier. According to the 6,000-hour pilot, while maneuvering at a low altitude while herding cattle, the helicopter began an uncontrolled yaw to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with full left pedal, but could not arrest the right turn. Unable to control the helicopter, the pilot initiated a landing to a confined field containing brush and high vegetation. The helicopter contacted the ground in a high rate of descent, and came to rest in an upright position. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) the pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter. Neither the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) nor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site. An FAA inspector obtained photographs of the helicopter and reported that the tail-rotor had separated from the helicopter and revealed damage consistent with a tail rotor-strike. He also reported that the fuselage was buckled and had sustained structural damage. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N995JW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N995JW-2017-03-06), registration cancelled 2017-03-06, S/N 2984, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Robinson R22 BETA - Registry model: [Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA](https://openairdocs.org/model/robinson-helicopter-r22-beta) (registry code 7640110) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-A1D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-a1d) (registry code 41504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 2984 - Airframe hours: 1700 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-J2A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Registered owner: Charles P. Morris - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, September 16, 2004 - Departed: Eagle Pass, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: none; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review March 10, 2004; seat: right; flight hours: 6,000 total, 150 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 135° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F ## 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 20041108034099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041108034099A), Nov 8, 2004: Robsin R22BETA, Eagle Pass, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft was engaged in cattle herding, helicopter lost directional control, settled and contacted nearby sage brush and the ground. Aircraft came to… ## Other investigations on N995JW (1) 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. - [NTSB DFW05CA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA127), May 18, 2005: Robinson R22 Beta (N995JW), Rock Springs, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a static line. A contributing factor was the low altitude. 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.