# NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

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.

Page 1 of 2 · 56 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA27LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA27LA017.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Kinnelon, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Oct 20, 2026 · N744CJ
- [NTSB ANC26LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA082.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Macedonia, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Aug 9, 2026 · N197HL · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA26LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA234.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Mayesville, SC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2026 · N144CD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to remain clear of a power line during an aerial application flight.
- [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 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 ERA23FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA070.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 22, 2022 · N7094J · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate inspections of the forward left control rod end attachment hardware to the stationary swashplate by the pilot and by maintenance personnel, resulting in an eventual loosening and backing out of the hardware and subsequent loss of helicopter…
- [NTSB WPR22LA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA363.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Cedar City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 30, 2022 · N297SU · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a damaged cylinder intake valve and subsequent collision with terrain during an autorotation.
- [NTSB ERA21FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA200.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Wingate, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 2, 2021 · N4528T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight, resulting in tail rotor impact with the power line, a loss of control, and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [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 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 CEN20CA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA300.md): Robinson R44 · Dickeyville, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2020 · N570WH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain clearance from wires during an aerial application flight.
- [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 ERA19LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA273.md): Robinson R44 · Sardis, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2019 · N827JE · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue failure of the fasteners on the engine crankshaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA509](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA509.md): Robinson R44 · Cypress Island, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 21, 2019 · N7186P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN19LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA230.md): Robinson R44 · Ida Grove, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 21, 2019 · N459TA · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during an aerial application flight for undetermined reasons.
- [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 WPR18LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA269.md): Robinson R44 · Wahiawa, HI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2018 · N632NV · Substantial damage
  > Loss of oil in flight as a result of a loose oil filter adapter which resulted in the pilot initiating an immediate landing to an open field. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's manipulation of the throttle that led to a reduction in rotor rpm, which…
- [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 CEN18FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA215.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Oshkosh, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2018 · N529DW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly over the river at a low altitude and his failure to maintain clearance with wires during low-level flight.
- [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 WPR17LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA097.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 2017 · N981RR · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of an engine piston rod for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive damage.
- [NTSB ERA17LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA116.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Chatham, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2017 · N44EK · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's improper installation and inspection of the crankshaft gear bolt during major overhaul, which resulted in the crankshaft gear disengaging from the accessory gears of the engine and a subsequent loss of power.
- [NTSB GAA17CA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA151.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Holtville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 14, 2017 · N4534G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s initiation of a left turn at a low altitude with low airspeed and a tailwind while operating near maximum gross weight, which resulted in the helicopter losing altitude, touching down on a dirt surface, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR16LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA132.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · El Centro, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2016 · N8325X · Substantial damage
  > A loss of main rotor rpm and airframe vibration for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in a forced landing to sloping terrain and the helicopter rolling over.
- [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 GAA16CA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA283.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Spring Branch, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2016 · N921ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering in gusting tailwind conditions, resulting in the tailboom striking a light pole and impact with terrain.
- [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 ANC15LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA073.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fort Glenn, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2015 · N7162R · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the tail rotor gearbox from the tailboom attachment point due to overstress loads imposed by a tail rotor blade imbalance as the result of impact with an undetermined object during low-level flight operations.
- [NTSB CEN15CA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA348.md): Robinson R44 · Kansasville, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N20KD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to see and avoid power lines that were low to the ground and a green color that blended with the background crops.
- [NTSB ERA15CA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA262.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Viola, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 12, 2015 · N577AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid a guy wire, which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA013.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Lake Hamilton, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 21, 2015 · N701CT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's overcorrection to the landing pad shifting, which resulted in the helicopter impacting trees. A factor contributing to the accident was the collapse of the landing pad.
- [NTSB CEN15CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA025.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Harper, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N7192K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN14CA426](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA426.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Lancaster, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2014 · N8343P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during an aerial application flight.
- [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 WPR13LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA295.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fielding, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2013 · N7187B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while traversing a canyon in high-density altitude and gusting wind conditions.
- [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 CEN12LA669](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA669.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Nocona, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2012 · N8341W · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot’s operation of the helicopter, which resulted in impact with the water.
- [NTSB ERA12LA429](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA429.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2012 · N561CH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain awareness of the helicopter’s altitude while attempting to troubleshoot the clutch actuator warning light, which resulted in an inadvertent descent and impact with water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's possible…
- [NTSB ERA12CA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA179.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · N. Charleston, SC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 13, 2012 · N5511L · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to apply power during a practice autorotation in order to arrest a high rate of descent, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [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 CEN11CA627](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA627.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Batesville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 26, 2011 · N99FJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to ensure all tie-down clamps were removed prior to takeoff, which resulted in the helicopter’s dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB ERA11CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA080.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Canal Point, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2010 · N451DB · Substantial damage
  > Pilot fatigue due to lack of sleep resulting in incapacitation (falling asleep) and ground contact while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7640120&page=2

## 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" = '470' 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/470/sequence?model=7640120

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