Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA N7198A accident near Freer, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with ‘settling with power’ while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to capture deer on a private ranch. About 30 minutes into the flight, while the helicopter was following a deer and about 20 ft above the ground, the pilot turned downwind and felt the helicopter shutter. He immediately realized that he got into a state of “settling with power.” The pilot reported that he attempted to keep the helicopter straight, flat, and upright as it contacted the ground. The helicopter bounced about 3 times before coming to a stop upright. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and the tail boom. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA033 for the full record.