NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44 II
74 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Robinson Helicopter R44 II, where the sequence of events included 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 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 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' 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"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' 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" 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 WPR25LA110Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s loss of helicopter control after the door opened during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to confirm that the door was properly closed before departure.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 ANC24LA079Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Palmer, AKThe pilot's failure to follow the operator’s procedure manual and attempted to land at a remote landing zone in high wind conditions. Contributing factor was the pilot’s decision to not conduct a fly over of the landing site to determine wind condition which…NTSB WPR24FA200Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Bluestem, WAThe pilot’s failure to manage main rotor rpm during an autorotation, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was a loss of power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24LA112Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Tupelo, MSThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water during a dark night landing.NTSB CEN23LA326Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Charles City, IAThe pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.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 CEN23FA142Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Port Allen, LAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of aircraft control.NTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.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 ERA22FA096Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Cosby, TNThe pilot’s intentional, continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in a helicopter that was not certified for instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and a collision with trees and terrain.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 CEN21LA339Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · West Liberty, IAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering at low altitude during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.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 CEN21LA021Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Washington, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a hover and improper recovery action after the helicopter contacted the ground, which resulted in a dynamic rollover sequence and an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20CA197Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Pioche, NVThe pilot’s decision to fly at low level over mountainous terrain and his inability to recover when the helicopter encountered a downdraft that resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB WPR19FA188Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hayward, CAThe pilots’ loss of control during a low altitude maneuver for undetermined reasons, which resulted in impact with 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 CEN19FA160Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Cass, ARA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR19FA148Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Alpine, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was hypoxia due to the high altitude at which…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 GAA18CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot’s failure to land the helicopter with both skids on the trailer platform, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR17LA143Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ronan, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a low-altitude orbiting maneuver and a subsequent hard landing.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 ERA17LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Newton, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during out-of-ground-effect maneuvering at a low airspeed with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.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 WPR17LA043Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Mt. Baldy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed during a low orbiting approach over a confined mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to land in an area that did not allow for a safe exit path under conditions near…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 GAA16CA006Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Devine, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the takeoff, which resulted in the helicopter striking power lines.