| Crash location | 28.733056°N, 96.031111°W |
| Nearest city | Matagorda, TX
28.690822°N, 95.967462°W 4.8 miles away |
| Tail number | N901KC |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 21 Jun 2017 |
| Aircraft type | Robinson Helicopter R22 |
| Additional details: | None |
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 tail boom.
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 26 knots. The same weather observation station reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 360° at 18 knots, gusting 26 knots.
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an agricultural flight in gusting wind conditions.