Probable cause
The pilot's decision to exit the helicopter with the engine running.
NTSB analysis
The pilot herded cattle into a cattle trap and landed to close and adjust some gates, with the intent to take off again. The pilot left the engine running and exited the helicopter. While the pilot was outside the helicopter several cattle were startled. One of the startled cattle jumped a fence and came into contact with the main rotor, which caused the helicopter to bounce and shake violently. A number of other cattle broke free from the pen and at least one contacted the helicopter, causing it to become airborne for a short period of time before impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude. The tail boom and main rotor mast were both partially separated from the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA466 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pettus, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Trailer (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter Company R22
- N-number
- N792SH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.