NTSB Factual Report

On November 13, 2002, approximately 1030 central standard time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, N7734H, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering on a private ranch near Carrizo Springs, Texas. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Holt Helicopters, Inc., of Uvalde, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured, and his crewmember sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 deer netting flight. The local flight departed the private ranch, approximately 0730.

According to the 15,000-hour pilot, he and his crewmember were capturing deer using a net-gun. After chasing a deer into an open field, the pilot stated that his crewmember (with the net-gun) shot the net over the deer. The pilot added that one of the four weights on the net struck a rock and bounced up and wrapped itself around the right skid of the helicopter. When the deer reached the end of the net, the nose of the helicopter was pulled downward. While the pilot was attempting to recover from the nose low attitude, the helicopter impacted the terrain. Subsequently, the helicopter came to rest on its left side.

An examination of the helicopter by the pilot revealed that the tail boom was separated from the fuselage, and the main rotor system was damaged. The pilot classified the damage sustained by the helicopter as "destroyed." The helicopter had accumulated a total of 1,742.8 hours.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter after encountering dynamic rollover. A contributing factor was the deer pulling the aircraft unevenly.