NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44 II
52 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Robinson Helicopter R44 II, where the defining event was Loss of control in flight. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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.aircraft_model_code IN ('7640122', '7640123')
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"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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.aircraft_model_code IN ('7640122', '7640123')
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN26LA317Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Natchez, MSThe pilot’s failure to complete a preflight weight and balance calculation, which resulted in a center of gravity beyond the forward limit, and adversely affected the helicopter’s controllability during takeoff.NTSB CEN26LA168Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Mount Blanco, TXThe 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 WPR25LA239Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ponderosa Pines, MTThe pilot’s improper pedal application during an approach to a hover.NTSB ERA25LA267Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Inlet, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the landing.NTSB CEN25LA237Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Pecos, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during gusty wind conditions.NTSB CEN25FA183Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Miami, TXOn 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 CEN25FA104Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Uvalde, TXOn 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 CEN25LA073Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Buras, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control during a hover taxi with a quartering tailwind.NTSB WPR24LA307Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Basin, MTThe 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 WPR23LA170Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the helicopter, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR22LA267Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Cedar City, UTThe 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 WPR22LA220Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Auburn, WAThe 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 ERA22LA236Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Nashua, NHThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR22LA132Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Howe, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm while descending with a gusting tailwind condition, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.NTSB ERA22FA098Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Bronson, FLA 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 CEN22LA034Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Fort Davis, TXThe pilot’s encounter of a downdraft from which there was insufficient altitude to recover.NTSB ERA22FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Cornwall, NYThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR21LA359Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Phoenix, AZThe student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while making a clearing turn which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB CEN21LA173Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Dustin, OKThe 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 CEN19TA178Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportRobinson R44 · La Ward, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during a course reversal, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB GAA19CA476Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Lebanon, MOThe 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 CEN19LA065Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Uvalde, TXThe 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 ERA18FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ANC18LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while in a hovering turn, which resulted in a collision with obstacles.NTSB GAA18CA140Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Woodland, CAThe pilot’s distraction due to her malfunctioning iPad, which led to her inadvertent forward cyclic application.NTSB CEN17FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Dimmitt, TXThe 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 GAA17CA165Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Spofford, TXThe pilot's decision to hover-taxi out of the hangar and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the hangar.NTSB GAA17CA070Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Stone Lake, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while in a hover and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with a tree.NTSB GAA16CA488Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Cedar City, UTThe flight instructor’s delayed remedial action while providing hover instruction in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in dynamic roll-over.NTSB GAA16CA160Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Oak Island, NCThe student pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized hover, resulting in a loss of control and an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN16LA039Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Alpine, TXThe 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 ERA15FA164Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Orlando, FLAn inflight loss of control due to the likely detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt.NTSB CEN14CA223Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Liberty, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while operating in gusty wind conditions at a low altitude.NTSB CEN14LA149Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Presidio, TXThe 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 CEN13LA507Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Clayton, NMThe 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 WPR13LA188Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ocean Shores, WAThe pilots’ loss of helicopter control during the approach to landing.NTSB CEN13FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Blanco, TXThe 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 WPR12CA431Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · McMinnville, ORThe pilot's aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR12CA162Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Henderson, NVThe pilot did not maintain directional and yaw control of the helicopter during approach and landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB CEN12FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Centerville, LAThe pilot allowed the helicopter to settle with power while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN12FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Hackensack, MNThe helicopter's sudden yaw and subsequent impact with the water for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the helicopter and its systems.NTSB CEN11CA511Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Broomfield, COA loss of control due to the pilot's diverted attention as a result of an open door.NTSB ERA11FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Indiana, PAThe pilot's operation of the helicopter at a low-forward airspeed out of ground effect, which resulted in the helicopter’s loss of translational lift and tail rotor authority and the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN10CA417Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Shreveport, LAThe 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 CEN10CA369Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Austin, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, resulting in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the door was properly secured prior to flight.NTSB CEN10CA082Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Abilene, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.NTSB ANC09LA098Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Central, AKThe 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 WPR09LA411Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Tonopah, NVThe pilot’s failure to maneuver the helicopter within its performance capabilities while at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and in high density altitude conditions.NTSB WPR09FA076Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · West Valley City, UTThe 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 DFW08FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Ridgedale, MOAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.