Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was herding cattle when the helicopter's tail rotor struck a tree branch. The helicopter began to yaw right and fully rotated twice as the pilot maneuvered toward open terrain. The pilot lowered the collective and rolled the throttle off to arrest the rotation. The helicopter stopped rotating and then landed hard. The tail rotor and empennage sustained substantial damage. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the helicopter reported that he found no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
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.