Probable cause
The pilot's loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to a settling with power condition, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to complete a solo cross-country for the requirements of an additional rotorcraft rating. He conducted a steep approach to the runway and was about 5 to 10 ft above the ground when the helicopter began settling with power. He attempted to fly forward but the helicopter continued to descend. He added that he might have increased the collective input and pulled back on the cyclic. The helicopter landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage steel tubing structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA304 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yoakum, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Yoakum Municipal Airport (T85)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA
- N-number
- N743DP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.