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February 13, 2018 · Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA · N843SH

Wadsworth, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Wadsworth, TX
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA (2005)
Tail Number
N843SH
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA129

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he was taking a passenger up for a "hog hunt" flight. He added that he lifted off the ground, about 40 to 50 ft, and the passenger's gun became lodged in the cyclic control. He instructed the passenger to move his gun multiple times, but the passenger "seized up and panicked." The helicopter impacted the ground, and the fuselage and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that it was the second hunt with the passenger and that he had provided a safety briefing before the accident flight. He added that, during the safety briefing, he discussed gun safety, when and where to shoot, and instructions on avoiding areas with the flight controls. He added that, as a safety recommendation, he will conduct a more thorough safety briefing, including an on-ground, engine-off cockpit simulation and a lesson on firearm safety.

NTSB Probable Cause

The passenger’s gun becoming lodged in the flight controls during takeoff and his failure to remove it, which resulted in impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he was taking a passenger up for a "hog hunt" flight. He added that he lifted off the ground, about 40 to 50 ft., and the passenger's gun became lodged in the cyclic control. He instructed the passenger to move his gun multiple times, but the passenger "seized up and panicked". The helicopter impacted the ground and the fuselage and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that it was the second hunt with the passenger and that he had given a safety briefing prior to the accident flight. He added that, during the safety brief, he discussed gun safety, when and where to shoot, and instructions on avoid areas with the flight controls. He added that, as a safety recommendation, he will conduct a more thorough safety briefing, including an on ground, engine off cockpit simulation, and a lesson on firearm safety.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R22 BETA
Tail NumberN843SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-J2A · Reciprocating · 136
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 46
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time16:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data