Robinson R22 Beta, N122CH: Accident occurred June 26, 2018 in Encino, Brooks County, Texas

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Investigation Docket National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 

http://registry.faa.gov/N122CH

Location: Encino, TX
Accident Number: CEN18CA240
Date & Time: 06/26/2018, 0830 CDT
Registration: N122CH
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R22 BETA
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Business

The purpose of the flight was to capture a nilgai bull with a net gun. While maneuvering at low altitude, the gunner fired the net at a running 600-pound bull. The net deployed and caught the skid of the helicopter as well as the bull. The bull continued to run dragging the helicopter down resulting in the helicopter's collision with terrain. The helicopters fuselage, main rotor, and tail boom were substantially damaged, and the pilot and gunner sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures contributed to the accident. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 3420 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2200 hours (Total, this make and model), 3357 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 75 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Registration: N122CH
Model/Series: R22 BETA BETA
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture:2010 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 4492
Landing Gear Type: Ski;
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/15/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1369 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-360-J2A
Registered Owner: ESPEJO HELICOPTER LEASING LLC
Rated Power: 145 hp
Operator: ESPEJO HELICOPTER LEASING LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Encino, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Encino, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace:

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: Fire At Unknown Time
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 26.757222, -97.996944 (est)