Robinson R22 Beta Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 168 events recorded from 1989 to 2025.

168

All Events

96

Incidents

29

Minor

17

Serious

25

Fatal (33 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
May 21, 1999 EAST TROY, WI N215WW Incident substantial The pilot's improper approach to landing A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's inadvertent settling with power.
Apr 29, 1999 LARES, PR N2314T Incident substantial The improper touchdown by the pilot resulting in dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention.
Mar 26, 1999 HOUSTON, TX N2323V Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to his use of a prescription nar…

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to his use of a prescription narcotic.

Mar 25, 1999 ENGLEWOOD, CO N8354Z Incident substantial The flight instructor allowed the rotor rpm to decay during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.
Jul 22, 1998 ENGLEWOOD, CO N8350N Minor destroyed An encounter with unanticipated windshear or a downdraft.
Jun 21, 1998 FREER, TX N982SH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor-ground clearance due to his improper flare while hovering.
May 26, 1998 REDHILL AERODRO, UK BOAM Incident Investigation pending
Apr 27, 1998 FRANKLIN, WI N8331F Incident minor The mechanic's failure to follow the manufacturer's maintenance rebuilding instructions.
Mar 31, 1998 RIVIERA, TX N2628B Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while performing an evasive maneuver to avoid a charging bull, resulting in a tail rotor blade strik…

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while performing an evasive maneuver to avoid a charging bull, resulting in a tail rotor blade strike and the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. Factors were the charging bull and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Mar 15, 1998 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA N4079M Incident substantial
The student pilot's inadvertent pulling of the mixture, instead of the carburetor heat, while preparing for the approach, and the flight instructor's …

The student pilot's inadvertent pulling of the mixture, instead of the carburetor heat, while preparing for the approach, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

Dec 16, 1997 BELLE VERNON, PA N55TP Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's improper out-of-ground hover procedure, which resulted in a loss of tailrotor effectiveness.
Nov 22, 1997 LONG BEACH, CA N45SG Incident substantial
the flight instructor's failure to thoroughly brief his student on the performance standards of the proposed autorotation and the method to be used fo…

the flight instructor's failure to thoroughly brief his student on the performance standards of the proposed autorotation and the method to be used for a positive transfer of controls. The student's failure to verify the performance standards of the autorotation, to recognize an excessive rate of descent, and to relinquish control of the throttle to the instructor were factors in this accident.

Nov 15, 1997 LUBBOCK, TX N26026 Incident substantial
failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the helicopter during hover out-of-ground-effect. A related factor was: the student pilot's lack …

failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the helicopter during hover out-of-ground-effect. A related factor was: the student pilot's lack of experience in flying helicopters.

Oct 17, 1997 POMPANO BEACH, FL N333PH Incident substantial The improper use of collective control by the dual student which prevented the flight instructor from stopping an uncontrolled roll to the left.
Sep 27, 1997 HUNTSVILLE, TX N8316W Minor substantial
failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the helicopter during a flare to landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the …

failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the helicopter during a flare to landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the student pilot's misinterpretation of the wind direction, his selection of the wrong runway, and the resultant tailwind during landing.

Aug 24, 1997 TERRELL, TX N8057Z Serious (1) substantial
the student pilot's premature flare for landing from an autorotation, and the ensuing loss of rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor r…

the student pilot's premature flare for landing from an autorotation, and the ensuing loss of rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor relating to the accident was: partial loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).

Aug 06, 1997 WILLIMANTIC, CT N717GT Incident substantial
The student pilot misunderstood the flight instructor's instructions and reduced the engine power to idle, and the Certificated Flight Instructor's de…

The student pilot misunderstood the flight instructor's instructions and reduced the engine power to idle, and the Certificated Flight Instructor's delayed remedial action.

Jul 25, 1997 CHANDLER, AZ N4008D Serious (1) destroyed
The CFI's failure to recognize and correct for a vortex ring state, and his improper use of the flight controls, which resulted in the loss of control…

The CFI's failure to recognize and correct for a vortex ring state, and his improper use of the flight controls, which resulted in the loss of control and uncontrolled descent.

Jun 14, 1997 SAN ANTONIO, TX N4041W Incident substantial The flight instructor's inadequate supervision during the practice autorotation and his failure to maintain rotor RPM.
Dec 15, 1996 LAKEPORT, CA N8311A Minor substantial
inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI), and his delayed corrective action to the student pilot's abrupt control inputs, thereby allowin…

inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI), and his delayed corrective action to the student pilot's abrupt control inputs, thereby allowing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the CFI's lack of instructing experience and the presence of upsloping terrain.

Oct 19, 1996 HALSEY, OR N512HH Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain main rotor RPM, resulting in loss of control of the helicopter and collision with terrain. Factors include…

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain main rotor RPM, resulting in loss of control of the helicopter and collision with terrain. Factors included the pilot's lack of experience in helicopters, and interpersonal relationship problems between the pilot and his girlfriend.

Sep 06, 1996 LOREAUVILLE, LA N80750 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopte…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude.

Jun 07, 1996 SANTA CLARITA, CA N40009 Minor substantial the pilot's failure to abandon the pinnacle approach after encountering an excessive rate of descent.
Jun 05, 1996 PASO ROBLES, CA N2311R Incident substantial the student pilot's loss of control and subsequent dynamic rollover due to his abrupt and excessive use of the collective and anti-torque controls.
Apr 19, 1996 FRANKLIN, LA N2329K Incident substantial
The pilot's poor judgment in attempting to refuel the helicopter with the engine (and rotors) operating. Factors relating to the accident were: the g…

The pilot's poor judgment in attempting to refuel the helicopter with the engine (and rotors) operating. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty wind condition, and close proximity of the vehicle that was allowed to be driven under the turning rotors.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
← Robinson R22 Beta For Sale All Robinson Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 53 Robinson R22 Beta for sale ↓