# NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5: Loss of control in flight

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA168.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Mount Blanco, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2026 · N445JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR25LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA239.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Ponderosa Pines, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 3, 2025 · N750GT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper pedal application during an approach to a hover.
- [NTSB ERA25LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA267.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Inlet, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 9, 2025 · N67RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the landing.
- [NTSB CEN25LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA237.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Pecos, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2025 · N992TP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN25FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA183.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Miami, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 23, 2025 · N1195P · Destroyed
  > On May 23, 2025, about 0718 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II helicopter, N1195P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Miami, Texas. The student pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB CEN25FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA104.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Uvalde, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Feb 27, 2025 · N144SG · Substantial damage
  > On February 27, 2025, about 1319 central standard time, a Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) R44 helicopter, N144SG, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Uvalde, Texas. The commercial pilot and the passenger sustained fatal…
- [NTSB WPR24LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA307.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Basin, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 15, 2024 · N233WT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue performing a high-performance takeoff in a full throttle and low-rotor-rpm condition, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA267.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cedar City, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2022 · N497SU · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm and airspeed and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action to regain helicopter control during the straight-in autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA220.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Auburn, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2022 · N944BC · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s loss of helicopter control and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action while providing hover training which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB ERA22FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA098.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Bronson, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 31, 2021 · N442VB · Destroyed
  > A loss of control due to spatial disorientation as a result of the noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight at night into an area of known reduced visibility due to fog.
- [NTSB CEN22LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA034.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Fort Davis, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 10, 2021 · N3027W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s encounter of a downdraft from which there was insufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB ERA22FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cornwall, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 10, 2021 · N637HP · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB CEN21LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA173.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Dustin, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2021 · N178DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s insufficient monitoring of the helicopter’s power while flying at low altitude and at low airspeed, which resulted in the loss of rotor rpm and impact with a tree and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN19TA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19TA178.md): Robinson R44 · La Ward, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Jun 21, 2019 · N445AP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during a course reversal, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA19CA476](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA476.md): Robinson R44 · Lebanon, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2019 · N724H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of yaw control and failure to maintain a proper descent rate and his subsequent improper use of the collective instead of the antitorque pedals to correct the yaw, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN19LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA065.md): Robinson R44 · Uvalde, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2019 · N484AB · Substantial damage
  > The slipping of the sprag clutch due to galling of the sprags and corresponding sprag contact surfaces within the clutch assembly, which rendered the helicopter uncontrollable.
- [NTSB WPR18LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA031.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Page, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2017 · N744BS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the helicopter while transitioning from a hover to forward flight.
- [NTSB CEN17FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA209.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Dimmitt, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2017 · N7091F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incapacitation due to scarring from previous heart attacks and severe hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall which resulted in arrhythmia and a loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB GAA17CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA070.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Stone Lake, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 12, 2016 · N744JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while in a hover and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with a tree.
- [NTSB GAA16CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA160.md): Robinson R44 · Oak Island, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 23, 2016 · N843JB · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized hover, resulting in a loss of control and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA039.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Alpine, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2015 · N449MC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a descent from which he was unable to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at or near the helicopter's…
- [NTSB ERA15FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA164.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Orlando, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2015 · N30242 · Destroyed
  > An inflight loss of control due to the likely detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt.
- [NTSB CEN14LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA149.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Presidio, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2014 · N360AH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm when transitioning the helicopter from a hover to forward flight, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB CEN13LA507](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA507.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Clayton, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2013 · N744KA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of vertical control after the helicopter encountered a gusty tailwind while maneuvering at a low altitude and near the helicopter's maximum gross weight.
- [NTSB CEN13FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Blanco, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2012 · N474FA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions and marginal visual flight rules weather conditions.
- [NTSB WPR12CA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA162.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Henderson, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 9, 2012 · N55NZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain directional and yaw control of the helicopter during approach and landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB CEN11CA511](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA511.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Broomfield, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N915BW · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control due to the pilot's diverted attention as a result of an open door.
- [NTSB CEN10CA417](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA417.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Shreveport, LA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 19, 2010 · N721BB · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff, resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB ANC09LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA098.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Central, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2009 · N4186Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter after an in-flight encounter with a downdraft while landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate evaluation of wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR09FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA076.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · West Valley City, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2009 · N168SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of control of the helicopter. Also causal was the flight instructor’s delay in taking remedial action.
- [NTSB DFW08FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA218.md): Robinson R44 II · Ridgedale, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2008 · N41411 · Destroyed
  > An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC08CA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA140.md): Robinson R44 · Montgomery, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 17, 2008 · N3027Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control during takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX08CA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA057.md): Robinson R44 II · Bullhead City, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 3, 2008 · N44NV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged landing flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and failure to maintain directional control during a bounced landing that resulted in the tail rotor blades colliding with a hangar. Contributing to the accident was the burned out…

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41899')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND e.aircrafts_position = x.position AND e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '240'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases?engine=41899

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