# Final NTSB investigations: Lycoming 0-540F1 SERIE

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 CEN26LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA260.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Emerson, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2026 · N224RH · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to verify the loading hose had been disconnected before taking off and the failure of the loader to disconnect the fuel hose from the helicopter.
- [NTSB WPR25LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA203.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Park City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2025 · N715SG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during an approach to landing in a mountainous area, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [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 ERA22LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA168.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2022 · N288L · Substantial damage
  > Vibration in the airframe and flight controls for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [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 GAA18CA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA147.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 24, 2018 · N7519G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [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 GAA18CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA072.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 5, 2017 · N99RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.
- [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 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 ERA16LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA216.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Chatham, MA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2016 · N141TM · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance of the lower forward clutch actuator bearing for a prolonged period of time, which resulted in a bearing failure. Contributing to the accident was an erroneous maintenance entry, which resulted in the helicopter being operated…
- [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 CEN16LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA006.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Parkston, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2015 · N442RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to take off from a confined area and his failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions during the takeoff, which resulted in collision with obstacles.
- [NTSB CEN13CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA022.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Loop, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 21, 2012 · N7507K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate performance calculations, which resulted in an overweight takeoff for the conditions and the subsequent hard impact 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 ERA09FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA036.md): Robinson R-44 · Gallatin, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2008 · N300FX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent descent into water as a result of the dark night and limited outside visual references.
- [NTSB SEA08LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA104.md): Robinson R44 · Pahrump, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2008 · N510JM · Substantial damage
  > The loss of the engine to transmission drive train continuity while on approach for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were lack of suitable terrain for a run-on landing, and cars on the race track.
- [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.
- [NTSB CHI07LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA309.md): Robinson R44 · Jackson Center, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2007 · N8353K · Destroyed
  > The reported vibration in the helicopter during an approach for landing for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the mature cornfield.
- [NTSB LAX06CA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA221.md): Robinson R-44 · Fresno, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 29, 2006 · N52EP · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain directional control following a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while in a downwind hover.
- [NTSB CHI06CA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA143.md): Robinson R44 · Stapleton, NE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 31, 2006 · N544LB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining clearance fron the tree during landing. A factor was the tree.
- [NTSB DFW06LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06LA141.md): Robinson R44 · Payne Springs, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 2006 · N42KJ · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DFW06CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA066.md): Robinson R44 · Rayville, LA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 4, 2006 · N744MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB MIA05CA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05CA133.md): Robinson R44 · St. Cloud, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 7, 2005 · N90SG · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with a palm tree resulting in the in-flight collision with it, and subsequent uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the ground.
- [NTSB DFW05CA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA169.md): Robinson R44 · Rayville, LA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2005 · N744MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control following an encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB LAX05LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA164.md): Robinson R44 · Gustine, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 2005 · N144SM · Substantial damage
  > the improper installation of the nut/bolt assembly connecting the left cyclic push-pull tube to the non-rotating swashplate by maintenance personnel, which led to a loss of roll control during takeoff.
- [NTSB MIA05LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA080.md): Robinson R44 · Homestead, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 2005 · N1ZP · Substantial damage
  > The CFI's inadequate supervision of the student during the instructional flight for his failure to stop an excessive rate of descent which resulted in a hard landing following a reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ATL04FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04FA141.md): Robinson R44 · Barnesville, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2004 · N441MG · Destroyed
  > The certified flight instructor's in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in spatial disorientation, and the subsequent in a loss of control. A factor was fog.
- [NTSB CHI04LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA079.md): Robinson R44 · Burlington, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2004 · N7184G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to obtain/maintain clearance from the transmission wire during the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the transmission wire and the pole.
- [NTSB MIA04CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04CA048.md): Robinson R44 · Vero Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 23, 2004 · N77KK · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with bushed resulting in in-flight contact and susequent dynamic roll-over.
- [NTSB LAX04FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA037.md): Robinson R22 Beta II · Torrance, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2003 · N206TV · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot of the R22 to comply with an ATC clearance.
- [NTSB SEA01FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01FA089.md): Robinson R44 · Gorst, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2001 · N111PH · Destroyed
  > An abrupt application of the tail rotor/anti-torque pedal by an unknown pilot resulting in tail rotor contact with the tail boom. Tail rotor blades and empennage assembly separation, and trees were factors.
- [NTSB NYC99LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA090.md): Robinson R-22 · Port Jefferson, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 1999 · N151RM · Substantial damage
  > the lack of supervision by the flight instructor which resulted in a low rotor condition and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB ATL92FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92FA102.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Greenville, NC · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 15, 1992 · N2259T · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's self-induced pressure to make the flight, and his lack of total…
- [NTSB NYC85LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA130.md): Maule M-5-235C · Pittsburgh, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 1985 · N5640C · Substantial damage
  > The personal transportation flight took off from allegheny co. ariport and made one landing back at the airport. The flight then departed the airport and made a landing on the water with the wheels down causing the aircraft to tip o ver onto its back.
- [NTSB FTW83LA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA264.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Rio Grande City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1983 · N8533L · Destroyed
  > The acft was destroyed by fire during an emergency landing. Shortly after depature the acft cockpit filled with heavy smoke. The plt attempted to return to the arpt but could not because of the heavy smoke in the cockpit. Efforts to eliminate it were…
- [NTSB MIA79FLG12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA79FLG12.md): Piper PA-25 · Holly Hill, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Jan 3, 1979 · N8534L · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW77DQG32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW77DQG32.md): Piper PA-25 · Lamesa, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 7, 1977 · N8736L · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC77FER32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77FER32.md): Piper PA-32 · Mountain Lake, MN · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 8, 1977 · N8600N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW76DPG63](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76DPG63-201333.md): Piper PA-25 · Wynne, AR · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 11, 1976 · N8540L · Substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC76AN070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC76AN070.md): Piper PA-32 · Wilmington, VT · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jan 23, 1976 · N5594J · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW75DPD08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW75DPD08.md): Piper PA-32 · Abilene, TX · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 27, 1974 · N8600N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC72DCA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72DCA09.md): Piper PA-25 · Kewanee, MO · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Oct 4, 1971 · N8740L · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA70FLA26](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA70FLA26.md): Piper PA-25 · Molino, FL · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 21, 1970 · N8533L · Substantial damage

## 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."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41531'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41531&status=final

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.