NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44
56 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Robinson Helicopter R44, where the sequence of events included Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT). 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 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
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 ('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"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 ('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" 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 ERA27LA017Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openRobinson Helicopter R44 · Kinnelon, NJNTSB ANC26LA082Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openRobinson Helicopter R44 · Macedonia, IANTSB ERA26LA234Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Mayesville, SCThe pilot’s failure to remain clear of a power line during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN24LA343Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Grand Forks, NDThe 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 CEN23LA130Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · De Kalb, TXThe 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 ERA23FA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NCThe 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 WPR22LA363Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Cedar City, UTA partial loss of engine power due to a damaged cylinder intake valve and subsequent collision with terrain during an autorotation.NTSB ERA21FA200Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Wingate, NCThe 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 ERA21LA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Forkston, PAThe 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 CEN21LA095Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Morris, ILThe 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 CEN20CA300Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Dickeyville, WIThe pilot did not maintain clearance from wires during an aerial application flight.NTSB ERA19LA287Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Sanford, METhe student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while hover-taxiing in gusting wind conditions.NTSB ERA19LA273Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Sardis, GAFatigue failure of the fasteners on the engine crankshaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB GAA19CA509Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Cypress Island, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN19LA230Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Ida Grove, IAA total loss of engine power during an aerial application flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB GAA19CA124Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Santa Maria Island, FLThe pilot's loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at a low altitude after being struck in the head by a bird.NTSB GAA19CA063Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Knox City, TXThe 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 WPR18LA269Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Wahiawa, HILoss 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 GAA18CA450Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Lantana, FLThe student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB GAA18CA408Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Rulo, NEThe 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 CEN18FA215Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Oshkosh, WIThe 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 GAA18CA247Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB WPR18FA077Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Newport Beach, CAThe 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 WPR18LA031Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Page, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the helicopter while transitioning from a hover to forward flight.NTSB WPR18LA010Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Molokai, HIA descent and subsequent impact with open ocean waters for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA17CA491Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Westby, WIThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR17LA097Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Santa Barbara, CAA 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 ERA17LA116Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Chatham, NJMaintenance 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 GAA17CA151Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Holtville, CAThe 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 WPR16LA132Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · El Centro, CAA 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 GAA16CA279Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Las Vegas, NVThe 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 GAA16CA283Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Spring Branch, TXThe 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 ERA16FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Canadensis, PAThe 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 ANC15LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fort Glenn, AKThe 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 CEN15CA348Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kansasville, WIThe 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 ERA15CA262Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Viola, TNThe pilot's failure to see and avoid a guy wire, which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA013Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Lake Hamilton, ARThe 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 CEN15CA025Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Harper, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.NTSB CEN14CA426Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Lancaster, WIThe pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN13LA448Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Capron, ILThe 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 WPR13LA295Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fielding, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while traversing a canyon in high-density altitude and gusting wind conditions.NTSB ERA13FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Miami, FLThe 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 CEN12LA669Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Nocona, TXThe noncertificated pilot’s operation of the helicopter, which resulted in impact with the water.NTSB ERA12LA429Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Tallahassee, FLThe 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 ERA12CA179Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · N. Charleston, SCThe 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 CEN11LA648Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Ocate, NMThe pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a partial loss of engine power.NTSB CEN11CA627Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Batesville, TXThe 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 ERA11CA080Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Canal Point, FLPilot fatigue due to lack of sleep resulting in incapacitation (falling asleep) and ground contact while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ERA10CA407Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Aguadilla, PRThe pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations, which resulted in the overweight helicopter's lack of hover capability out of ground effect.NTSB ANC10LA053Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Unalaska, AKThe pilot's inappropriate low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain.