Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and non-rated passenger were conducting a wildlife survey of a ranch. According to the pilot he was maneuvering to land on a ranch road at about 50-60 feet and turned into the wind. During the turn he got too slow and the low rotor horn sounded and the low rotor light illuminated. He was unable to recover the descent or go around, resulting in a hard landing. During the landing a main rotor contacted the tail boom. An examination of the helicopter revealed the tail boom separated from the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08CA148 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 29, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Refugio, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Not Applicable (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson R-22
- N-number
- N2312
- 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.