# Fatal NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44

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 ANC26FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26FA021.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Boynton Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 23, 2026 · N478AT · Destroyed
  > On March 23, 2026, about 1221 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 Raven I helicopter, N478AT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Boynton Beach, Florida. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured. The…
- [NTSB CEN25FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA124.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 15, 2025 · N331ES · Destroyed
  > On March 15, 2025, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N331ES, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Danville, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [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 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 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 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 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 WPR19FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA175.md): Robinson R44 · Two Harbors, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2019 · N7187D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [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 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 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 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 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 CEN14WA491](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14WA491.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Roeselare, Belgium · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 5, 2014 · N60JD · Destroyed
- [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 CEN11FA666](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA666.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Curren, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2011 · N8324F · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from multiple drugs.
- [NTSB ERA10LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA348.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Marion, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2010 · N857PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [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 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 ERA09FA417](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA417.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Boonsboro, MD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2009 · N7189W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to depart on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight at night in adverse weather conditions in close proximity to rising mountainous terrain in a helicopter that was only certified to be operated under VFR and his subsequent failure…
- [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 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 NYC08FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA026.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Jamestown, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2007 · N8356C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA07FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA006.md): Robinson R44 · Sumner, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2006 · N769RT · Substantial damage
  > The complete loss of engine power, for undetermined reasons, while on final approach, and the pilot's loss of control of the helicopter after the power loss. Factors include a lake below the final approach to the private landing pad.
- [NTSB SEA06LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA052.md): Robinson R44 · Helena, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2006 · N7085U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional suicide. The unauthorized use of a helicopter and impairment by alcohol were factors.
- [NTSB MIA06FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06FA039.md): Robinson R44 · Grand Ridge, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2006 · N442DH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, and his impairment, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain during cruise flight.
- [NTSB CHI05FA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05FA274.md): Robinson R44 · Drummond, WI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2005 · N9158U · Substantial damage
  > Clearance not obtained/maintained by the pilot during an unknown phase of flight. Contributing factors were the improper use of procedures by the pilot, the inadequate surveillance of the operation by company/management, and the wire.
- [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 IAD04FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD04FA025.md): Robinson R-44 · Killingly, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2004 · N70144 · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's intentional flight into instrument meteorological flight conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in a controlled descent into trees. Factors included the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, low cloud…
- [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 FTW03LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA163.md): Robinson R44 · Brazos Blk 532 · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2003 · N7188K · Destroyed
  > undetermined, aircraft not recovered.
- [NTSB ANC02FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA108.md): Robinson R-44 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2002 · N7189T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter in-flight due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the surface of a lake. Factors contributing to the accident were the high terrain surrounding the…
- [NTSB CHI02FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA049.md): Robinson R44 · Waukesha, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2001 · N7007F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and not maintaining altitude/clearance from the static line during cruise flight. Factors were the static wire, the darkness of night, the low ceiling, and the vehicle.
- [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 NYC01FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01FA053.md): Robinson R-44A · Sandgap, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 2000 · N744FC · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper weather evaluation, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while operating over unlighted terrain at night. Factors were the isolated areas of fog, and night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX93FA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA311.md): Robinson R44 · El Monte, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1993 · N445RH · Destroyed
  > Fatigue failure of the cyclic control (stick) assembly, which resulted in loss of cyclic (pitch & roll) control.

## 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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7640120'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7640120

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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.