Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the rice vegetation, which resulted in the helicopter's impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the helicopter, he was flying low-level about 20 mph, pollinating a rice field. He reported that he misjudged his operating altitude, and the helicopter contacted the rice vegetation. The helicopter entered an uncontrollable spin and impacted the rice field. The pilot reported that he was unharmed, but the helicopter was "totally destroyed". He added that the helicopter was operating normally, and the accident was due to "pilot error" in misjudging his altitude.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA230 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Campo, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R22
- N-number
- N797SH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.