# NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44: 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 CEN24LA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA343.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Grand Forks, ND · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 6, 2024 · N896J · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control which resulted in impact with the ground. Contributing to the outcome was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB ANC24FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA063.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Kekaha, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 11, 2024 · N144KW · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB CEN24LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA135.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Knox City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 13, 2024 · N3040P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a rollover and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23LA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA350.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Immokalee, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 26, 2023 · N4147Q · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot during hover flight, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the ground after the student pilot applied a sudden control input.
- [NTSB ERA23LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA287.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2023 · N7507X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a hover taxi, which resulted in a rollover.
- [NTSB CEN23LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA219.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Pontiac, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2023 · N7102Z · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in impact with the ground.
- [NTSB CEN23LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA130.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · De Kalb, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 11, 2023 · N4164T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter due to his failure to maintain rotor speed. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the helicopter’s low rotor speed warning system.
- [NTSB WPR22LA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA329.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 Clipper 1 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 26, 2022 · N240RM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during a descent, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA234.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Henderson, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 6, 2022 · N94WC · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power in a hover due to a stuck exhaust valve.
- [NTSB CEN22FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA151.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Rowlett, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 25, 2022 · N514CD · Destroyed
  > A loss of helicopter control while maneuvering, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tailboom in flight, tail boom separation, and an uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB ERA21LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA191.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Forkston, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2021 · N4055N · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night, spatial disorientation, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA184.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Johnson, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 5, 2021 · N8348X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate pedal application during a transition to hover, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA155.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Dunn, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 26, 2021 · N7184N · Substantial damage
  > The loss of rotor RPM for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN21LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA095.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Morris, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 20, 2020 · N3264U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate pedal application during liftoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA084.md): Robinson R44 · Colorado City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 10, 2020 · N7085Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.
- [NTSB CEN20LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA286.md): Robinson R44 · Welsh, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 2, 2020 · N7511D · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while in flight due to corrosion of engine components, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA19LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA287.md): Robinson R44 · Sanford, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2019 · N21EH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while hover-taxiing in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR19FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA123.md): Robinson R44 · Kailua, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 29, 2019 · N808NV · Destroyed
  > The helicopter’s encounter with a strong downdraft or outflow boundary while operating at a higher than recommended airspeed in turbulence which resulted in a low-G condition, excessive main rotor flapping, and an in-flight breakup when the main rotor…
- [NTSB GAA19CA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA124.md): Robinson R44 · Santa Maria Island, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 2, 2019 · N772MG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at a low altitude after being struck in the head by a bird.
- [NTSB GAA19CA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA063.md): Robinson R44 · Knox City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 18, 2018 · N4167Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed with a tailwind, which resulted in the helicopter settling with power, and his subsequent incorrect collective application while attempting to recover, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a…
- [NTSB WPR19LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA013.md): Robinson R44 · Kaneohe, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2018 · N4132H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition during flight, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA450](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA450.md): Robinson R44 · Lantana, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2018 · N479AT · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB GAA18CA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA408.md): Robinson R44 · Rulo, NE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2018 · N144DJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper collective application, which resulted in low rotor rpm during the takeoff climb and a subsequent ground collision. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the operation.
- [NTSB GAA18CA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA247.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 18, 2018 · N4487D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR18FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA077.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Newport Beach, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2018 · N7530R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to perform weight and balance calculations before departing on the flight, which resulted in his operation of the helicopter outside of its published weight and balance limitations and a subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.
- [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 WPR18LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Molokai, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2017 · N820DF · Destroyed
  > A descent and subsequent impact with open ocean waters for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB GAA17CA491](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA491.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Westby, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2017 · N97UP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN17LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA267.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Ireland, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2017 · N7224U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to apply the proper procedures to recover from a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of control during an aerial application turn.
- [NTSB GAA16CA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA279.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 2, 2016 · N441JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's incorrect action of interfering with the flight controls and failure to comply with the flight instructor's commands, which resulted in a loss of lateral bank control and a rollover.
- [NTSB ERA16FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA143.md): Robinson R44 · Canadensis, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2016 · N776JM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation, which occurred after ascending in order to clear rising terrain and inadvertently entering the clouds.
- [NTSB GAA16CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA075.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2015 · N4427H · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a horizontal rotation of the helicopter, and abnormal runway contact.
- [NTSB CEN14CA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA403.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Allen, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2014 · N7194H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not ensure sufficient obstacle clearance for potential wind conditions, which resulted in his loss of control of the helicopter.
- [NTSB CEN13LA448](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA448.md): Robinson R44 · Capron, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N9681R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA13FA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA186.md): Robinson R44 · Miami, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 2013 · N3101H · Destroyed
  > The mechanic's failure to properly secure the pitch link hardware of one main rotor blade to the rotating swash plate, which resulted in the pitch link separating in flight and the pilot's subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB CEN11LA648](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA648.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Ocate, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2011 · N828PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA11LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA380.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Lakewood, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2011 · N64JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate yaw control of the helicopter while hovering.
- [NTSB ERA10CA407](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA407.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Aguadilla, PR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2010 · N367JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations, which resulted in the overweight helicopter's lack of hover capability out of ground effect.
- [NTSB ANC10LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA053.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Unalaska, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2010 · N333DV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inappropriate low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10CA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA192.md): Robinson R44 · Temecula, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2010 · N688SS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA09FA497](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA497.md): Robinson R44 · Jackson, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2009 · N33PX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm, for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA051.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · San Juan, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2008 · N452JM · Substantial damage
  > The detachment of the forward left servo control tube upper rod end attachment bolt during a hover due to separation of its retaining nut for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA08FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA044.md): Robinson R44 · Ochopee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2008 · N18HB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident were a tailwind condition and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision.

## 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.aircraft_model_code IN ('7640120')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND s.aircrafts_position = x.position AND s."tier2Number" = '240' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence?model=7640120

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