4-Feb-2013 Source: HeliHub.com
Low-level helicopter flying, engaged in doors-off ammunition-ready feral hog hunting has been a major factor in two helicopter accidents in the last seven days.
Estimates vary between two and four million hogs across the US. These wild animals are responsible for significant damage to pastures, leading to losses on behalf of the land owners. This opens gun-toting reactions, with many putting significant efforts into shooting the hogs to reduce the potential damage they cause. Some go further than that, as it provides opportunity to hunt from the air – an activity which was (for example) approved by Texas legislators in May 2009 – see also Texas’ Aerial Wildlife Management Permit FAQ
In the last seven days, two helicopters have crashed while taking part in this activity – see our safety pages for each event
Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com