Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA accident near Mentone, Texas, September 10, 2021
On September 10, 2021 at about 2:30 pm local time, a 2002 Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, registered N292DD, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Mentone, Texas. It was an aerial observation flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 10, 2021 · about 2:30 pm local time
- Place
- Mentone, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA, built 2002 · all R22 BETAs on the register
- Registration
- N292DD · no longer on the register · serial 3396
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Aerial observation flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The flight was operated for the purpose of gathering cattle. The pilot departed from a temporary staging area and completed multiple passes in the area over an approximate 1 hour and 40-minute period. Ground support personnel observed the helicopter six times during that time; however, there were no witnesses to the accident. The helicopter wreckage was located near a set of powerlines in an area of low brush. One power transmission line was separated and draped over the intact lines. The forward fuselage exhibited localized discoloration consistent with electrical arcing damage. Repetitive linear marks consistent with powerline contact were present aft of the arcing damage. Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not identify any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot did not see the powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the powerlines.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Lack of action › Pilot
- Environmental issues › Physical environment › Object/animal/substance › Wire › Effect on operation
- Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Altitude › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Certificate: flight instructor, commercial pilot
- Ratings: instructor: helicopter; instrument: helicopter; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 225 hours in all
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 5,130 hours
- Last inspection: 100-hour inspection, June 25, 2021; 80 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,370 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-360-J2A (piston); 6,545 hours total
- Operator: Concho Aviation LLC
The flight
- Departed from: PVT Sterling City TX at 12:50 pm
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 160° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 70°F (21°C), dew point 52°F (11°C)
- Altimeter: 30.14 inHg
- Observation at 8:53 am from KINK, 16 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KINK 101353Z AUTO 16009KT 10SM CLR 21/11 A3014
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
10 documents, released by the NTSB on June 23, 2022. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Witness Statement | PDF, 1 page · our copy | View Download |
| 2 | Accident Photos | PDF, 13 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 3 | Global Positioning System Device - Specialist's Factual Report | PDF, 8 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 4 | Attachment 1 to Global Positioning System Device - Specialist's Factual Report | data file · our copy | Download |
| 5 | Examination Summary | PDF, 3 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 6 | Maintenance Records -- Airframe | PDF, 15 pages | View Download |
| 7 | Maintenance Records -- Engine | PDF, 12 pages | View Download |
| 8 | Autopsy Memo | PDF, 1 page · our copy | View Download |
| 9 | Toxicological Report | PDF, 1 page · our copy | View Download |
| 10 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 | PDF, 1 page · our copy | View Download |
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.