Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an agricultural flight in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, while flying downwind during rice field pollination operations, he "lost control" of the helicopter. The helicopter impacted the ground and rolled onto its right side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located about 12 miles west of the accident site reported that, about 37 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 360° at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The same weather observation station reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 18 knots, gusting to 26 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA356 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Matagorda, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R22
- N-number
- N901KC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1990
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.