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Fatal NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R22

24 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Robinson Helicopter R22. 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.

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Cases per year

19802026

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Query with 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 ('7640102')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

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.\"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 ('7640102'))
  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."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 ('7640102'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run 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 WPR22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Chandler, AZThe failure of the pilots onboard the airplane to see and avoid the helicopter while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision.Oct 1, 2021 · N412TL · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB CEN18FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Sterling City, TXA loss of control during the landing approach for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jun 30, 2018 · N787SH · Destroyed NTSB NYC99FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Hurricane, WVA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the transmission wires.Jun 23, 1999 · N9070F · Substantial damage NTSB LAX98FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Irwindale, CAThe failure of the pilot to observe in a timely manner and maintain clearance from electrical power transmission wires and her improper maneuver to avoid the obstruction.May 1, 1998 · N8365D · Destroyed NTSB NYC93FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Warsaw, KYThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain adequate clearance with ground obstacles, which resulted in an inflight collision with a power line.Jul 24, 1993 · N9021Z · Destroyed NTSB LAX92LA301Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Fresno, CAThe cfi's poor in-flight decision to proceed over the trees instead of the previously performed right circling turns and both pilots inadequate visual look-out. Contributing to this accident were the trees that partially obstructed the view of the power line…Jul 17, 1992 · N83556 · Destroyed NTSB LAX92FA267Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Richmond, CAA divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason(s) which resulted in rotor contact to the tailboom.Jun 29, 1992 · N83858 · Destroyed NTSB LAX92FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Maricopa, AZDestructive mast bumping for an undetermined reason(s).Mar 4, 1992 · N8413Q · Destroyed NTSB BFO87FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Myersville, MDThe non-instrument rated commercial pilot departed hgr in a Robinson helicopter that was not equipped to fly in instrument conditions. The pilot had not logged any instrument time and elected to depart in IFR conditions under a special VFR clearance. ATC…Feb 12, 1987 · N9073Y · Destroyed NTSB MIA86FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 HP · Lk Buena Vista, FLMotorists obsd the helicopter flying low ovr & along an interstate hiway. In the vicinity of a hiway rest area, the helicopter maneuvered to the side of the hiway, then flew back ovr the median. Two witnesses said it came to a hover, then started to continue…Jun 14, 1986 · N8400C · Destroyed NTSB ATL86FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Memphis, TNA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.Mar 22, 1986 · N9069S · Destroyed NTSB FTW85FA207Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 HP · San Angelo, TXA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.May 5, 1985 · N83745 · Destroyed NTSB ATL85FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Moundsville, WVThe helicopter crashed aprx 1/2 mi from the marshall county arpt while on a personal flt. Investigaton revealed that the plt, a doctor who specialized in emergency room procedures, commuted between hospitals located in three different cities. The plt had been…Dec 30, 1984 · N9030B · Destroyed NTSB LAX84FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Thousand Oaks, CAThe helicopter collided with 2 cables supported by 150 ft tall twin towers. It then went out of control & crashed into a 15 ft deep drainage ditch & burned. The plt had been cited on 2/20/84 for 'careless & reckless operation of an acft.' Another person who…Feb 22, 1984 · N8404S · Destroyed NTSB DEN83FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Sisseton, SDThe helicopter crashed in an open field shortly after takeoff in adverse weather. The pilot was not instrument rated andhad received weather briefings by telephone from a flight service station. The forecast was not favorable, but the pilotstated 'well I…Jan 15, 1983 · N9079B · Destroyed NTSB CHI83FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Indian Hill, OHThe helicopter was observed circling an athletic field. During the third pass over the field it was observed to come to a near hover immediately followed by a tailrotor separation. The manufacturer issued a safety notice 12/4/81 & again on 10/4/82 stressing…Oct 21, 1982 · N9015R · Destroyed NTSB LAX83FUA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobinson R22 · Santa Ana, CAThe commercial plt was rated in fixed wing acft, but in the helicopter, had student privileges only. He had obtained aprx 37 hrs of dual instruction & 3 hrs of solo time in the Robinson R22 helicopter; however, 1.3 hrs of his solo time was limited to hover…Oct 6, 1982 · N8358B · Destroyed NTSB FTW82FA402Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Paige, TXFollowing completion of the helicopter's annual inspection, the aircraft mechanic/pilot departed clover field in houston for the R22'S home base in austin, TX. One witness observed the helicopter in cruise flight, then saw a large piece separate from the…Sep 30, 1982 · N9063Z · Destroyed NTSB FTW82FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · San Marcos, TXThe helicopter was observed rotating in a counter clockwise motion. A small explosion was seen at the tail section with pieces flying off. The outboard sections of the t/r blades were found about 800 ft from the main wreckage. Examination of the fractures…Feb 26, 1982 · N9061Z · Destroyed NTSB MIA82FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Ormand Beach, FLAfter being told by the operator to remain on the ground until the weather improved the instructor pilot departed ormond Beach airport. The pilot radioed daytona Beach approach control and requested a special VFR clearance and vectors to daytona Beach…Feb 5, 1982 · N90286 · Destroyed NTSB LAX82FA012Accident · 2 fatalClosedRobinson R22 · Livermore, CANov 11, 1981 · N9073Q · Destroyed NTSB FTW81FA136Accident · 1 fatalClosedRobinson R22 · Fresno, TXAug 28, 1981 · N9046G · Destroyed NTSB FTW81FA117Accident · 2 fatalClosedRobinson R22 · Columbus, TXJul 5, 1981 · N9044Z · Destroyed NTSB LAX80FA093Accident · 2 fatalClosedRobinson R22 · Rnch Palos Vrd, CAMay 3, 1980 · N9011M · Destroyed