# 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.

Page 2 of 4 · 195 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [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 WPR21LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA021.md): Robinson R44 · Pahrump, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 16, 2020 · N500DL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.
- [NTSB GAA20WA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA141.md): Robinson R44 · Gulf of Glyfada, Greece · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 24, 2020 · N115VC · Minor damage
- [NTSB CEN20CA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA316.md): Robinson R44 · Hebron, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2020 · N771GB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight to sump the fuel tanks prior to flight.
- [NTSB CEN20CA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA313.md): Robinson R44 · Dakota, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2020 · N570WH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor clearance from a ground obstacle during a landing.
- [NTSB ERA20CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA260.md): Robinson R44 · Whitehall, MD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 24, 2020 · N350DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a known obstacle while landing from a hover.
- [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 CEN20LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA286.md): Robinson R44 · Welsh, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 2, 2020 · N7511D · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while in flight due to corrosion of engine components, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [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 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 CEN19LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA174.md): Robinson R44 · Key West, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 17, 2019 · N1241W · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the right-side tail boom mounting bolts which resulted in the failure of the bolts and an inflight separation of the tail rotor.
- [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 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 WPR19LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA013.md): Robinson R44 · Kaneohe, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2018 · N4132H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition during flight, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [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 CEN18LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA158.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · East Troy, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 4, 2018 · N444VH · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in impact with terrain and dynamic rollover during the subsequent attempted landing.
- [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 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 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 CEN18LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA025.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Larchwood, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2017 · N7085M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of situational awareness, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.
- [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 ERA17LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA257.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2017 · N828RD · Substantial damage
  > A loss of available power to the main rotor due to a fractured exhaust pushrod and housing, which allowed engine oil to coat the V-belts. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the tour and his failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm…
- [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 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 GAA17CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA095.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Separ, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 15, 2016 · N835AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [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 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 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 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 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 GAA15CA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA227.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Sandusky, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2015 · N8337Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to monitor the landing environment while operating in a confined off-airport site resulting in a wire strike and substantial damage to the helicopter.
- [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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7640120&page=3

## 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'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7640120&page=2

---
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.