Robinson R22 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 520 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

520

All Events

278

Incidents

72

Minor

47

Serious

112

Fatal (157 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 27, 2004 Squaw Valley, CA N7521P Incident substantial
the pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing and roll over. Also causal was th…

the pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing and roll over. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate compensation for tailwind conditions. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude.

Apr 24, 2004 Shakopee, MN N819TT Minor substantial
The dual student's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during hovering flight and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action in order t…

The dual student's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during hovering flight and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action in order to prevent a loss of control. Contributing factors were the flight instructor's lack of dual instruction experience and the low altitude hover.

Apr 22, 2004 Long Beach, CA N8492A Minor substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering.
Apr 14, 2004 Nephi, UT N555UH Incident substantial the flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the helicopter resulting in a hard landing.
Mar 12, 2004 Keystone, FL N4370D Incident substantial
The inadequate supervision by the flight instructor by allowing the student to lose excessive altitude resulting in a skid impacting the ground and su…

The inadequate supervision by the flight instructor by allowing the student to lose excessive altitude resulting in a skid impacting the ground and subsequent roll over of the helicopter.

Mar 06, 2004 Long Beach, CA N7188S Minor substantial the student pilot's improper use of the cyclic control and the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a rollover.
Feb 20, 2004 Kumealon Inlet, CA C-FILW Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 09, 2004 Bribie Island, AS VH-HBI Serious (2) substantial Investigation pending
Dec 20, 2003 Temecula, CA N7189U Serious (1) substantial a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Dec 17, 2003 Broomfield, CO N341MK Minor destroyed the flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the wind gust.
Dec 15, 2003 Redlands, CA N1225D Fatal (1) destroyed
a loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently turning off the magnetos and his failure to initiate an autorotation and to maintain main rotor …

a loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently turning off the magnetos and his failure to initiate an autorotation and to maintain main rotor rpm. A factor in the accident was the pilot's use of an over-the-counter medication that impaired his judgment and/or performance.

Dec 08, 2003 Spring, TX N747LF Incident substantial The CFI's delay in taking remedial action which resulted in a hard landing. An excessive descent rate was a contributing factor.
Nov 18, 2003 Chandler, AZ N7193J Incident substantial
the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering. A factor to the accident was the student pilot's lack of experience…

the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering. A factor to the accident was the student pilot's lack of experience.

Sep 28, 2003 Derby, AS VH-UXF Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 05, 2003 Argusville, ND N2301F Incident substantial
The altitude/clearance not maintained from transmission wire(s) by the pilot during an unknown phase of flight. The transmission wire(s) were a contr…

The altitude/clearance not maintained from transmission wire(s) by the pilot during an unknown phase of flight. The transmission wire(s) were a contributing factor.

Aug 25, 2003 Ozona, TX N731BA Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's decision to hover out of ground effect, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A contributing factor was the lack of suita…

The pilot's decision to hover out of ground effect, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain.

Aug 16, 2003 West Palm Beach, FL N341ZG Serious (1) substantial
The poor judgment by the pilot-in-command of the airplane for his initiation of takeoff after the helicopter pilot had announced intention to perform …

The poor judgment by the pilot-in-command of the airplane for his initiation of takeoff after the helicopter pilot had announced intention to perform a 180-degree autorotation to the runway, and the failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout resulting in the in-flight collision.

Jul 22, 2003 Tulalip, WA N7190K Fatal (1) destroyed A loss of control for unknown reasons.
Jul 20, 2003 Flint, MI N131MH Serious (1) substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's inadequate decision to land on an unsuitable area.
Jul 07, 2003 Waimea, HI N8318A Incident substantial
The certified flight instructor (CFI) delayed remedial action in response to the excessive descent rate initiated by the student during the practice a…

The certified flight instructor (CFI) delayed remedial action in response to the excessive descent rate initiated by the student during the practice autorotation. Also causal, was the CFI's inadequate supervision of the student during the flight. A possible tail wind condition and the pilot identified gusts were factors.

Jul 01, 2003 Chandler, AZ N7508E Incident substantial The student's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and his failure to relinquish the controls.
Jun 28, 2003 Prescott, AZ N332MD Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm, and, his improper use of the collective, throttle, and anti-torque controls during the attemp…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm, and, his improper use of the collective, throttle, and anti-torque controls during the attempted recovery. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to completely relinquish the controls, and the high density altitude environmental condition.

Jun 27, 2003 Nashua, NH N185MH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to determine the wind direction, which resulted in a hard, tailwind landing.
Jun 16, 2003 Kissimmee, FL N7185K Incident substantial
The inadequate supervision by flight instructor for his failure to prevent incorrect anti-torque pedal input by the student resulting in the helicopte…

The inadequate supervision by flight instructor for his failure to prevent incorrect anti-torque pedal input by the student resulting in the helicopter yawing at touchdown. A factor in the accident was the incorrect anti-torque pedal input by the student pilot while performing a practice auto-rotative landing procedure from a hover.

Jun 12, 2003 Houston, TX N7198H Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM and the improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing high w…

The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM and the improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing high winds.

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.
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