NTSB investigations: Robinson Helicopter R44
195 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Robinson Helicopter R44. 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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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'))
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'))
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 CEN21LA084Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Colorado City, TXThe 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 WPR21LA021Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Pahrump, NVThe 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 GAA20WA141IncidentClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Gulf of Glyfada, GreeceNTSB CEN20CA316Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hebron, NEA 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 CEN20CA313Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Dakota, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor clearance from a ground obstacle during a landing.NTSB ERA20CA260Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Whitehall, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a known obstacle while landing from a hover.NTSB CEN20CA300Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Dickeyville, WIThe pilot did not maintain clearance from wires during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN20LA286Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Welsh, LAA 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 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 WPR19FA175Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Two Harbors, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN19LA174Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Key West, FLThe 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 WPR19FA123Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kailua, HIThe 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 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 WPR19LA013Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kaneohe, HIThe pilot’s sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition during flight, which resulted in a hard landing.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 CEN18LA158Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · East Troy, WIA 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 GAA18CA247Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB GAA18CA147Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.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 GAA18CA072Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fort Pierce, FLThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.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 CEN18LA025Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Larchwood, IAThe pilot's loss of situational awareness, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.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 ERA17LA257Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SCA 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 CEN17LA267Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Ireland, INThe 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 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 GAA17CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Separ, NMThe pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.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 ERA16LA216Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Chatham, MAThe 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 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 GAA16CA075Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FLThe 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 CEN16LA006Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Parkston, SDThe 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 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 GAA15CA227Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Sandusky, MIThe 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 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.