Low Altitude Operation/Event: Robinson R22 BETA, N7007X; accident occurred April 06, 2020 in Seymour, Baylor County, Texas

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N7007X

Location: Seymour, TX
Accident Number: CEN20CA144
Date & Time: 04/06/2020, 1200 CDT
Registration: N7007X
Aircraft: Robinson R22
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Other Work Use

The pilot was herding cattle when the helicopter's tailrotor struck a mesquite tree branch. The helicopter began a yaw to the right and a made 2 full rotations as the pilot maneuvered to open terrain. The pilot rolled the throttle off, stoppied the yaw, and the helicopter landed hard. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies which contributed to the accident. An examination of the helicopter conducted by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any mechanical anomalies.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 40, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Unknown
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 01/15/2020
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make:Robinson 
Registration: N7007X
Model/Series: R22 BETA
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 2785
Landing Gear Type: Ski;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1369 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O& VO-360 SER
Registered Owner: Hawker Se 258022 Llc
Rated Power:
Operator: Hawker Se 258022 Llc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KF05, 1265 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 35 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1355 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 358°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1400 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 15 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 19°C / 15°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Seymour, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Seymour, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire:None 
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 33.646667, -99.259444 (est)