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
Aug 10, 2006 Tucson, AZ N7059S Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm and adequate terrain clearance while maneuvering to reverse direction. Contributing factors were t…

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm and adequate terrain clearance while maneuvering to reverse direction. Contributing factors were the high density altitude, that exceeded the helicopter's performance capability, and the rising mountainous terrain.

Apr 13, 2006 Chelsea, MI N887BC Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter that failed to discover water in the fuel, resulting in a loss of engine power while man…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter that failed to discover water in the fuel, resulting in a loss of engine power while maneuvering, and an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate fuel storage, and the low altitude of the helicopter.

Feb 22, 2006 Scottsdale, AZ N7512G Fatal (2) destroyed
A loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, which resulted in an uncontroll…

A loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

Jan 17, 2006 Cape Point, SF ZS-RXA Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jan 15, 2006 Mariental, WA V5-HSL Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Nov 27, 2004 Arlington, WA N4029Q Fatal (2) destroyed
The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, resulting in rotor contact with the aircraft's left win…

The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, resulting in rotor contact with the aircraft's left windscreen. The failure of the door pins to be installed was a factor.

Aug 13, 2004 McIvor Lake, BC, CA C-FHGH Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 11, 2004 Sazava, EZ OK-YIT Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 02, 2004 Miami, FL N2566W Fatal (1) destroyed
The failure of company maintenance personnel to secure the push/pull tube to the left lug of the non-rotating portion of the swashplate assembly follo…

The failure of company maintenance personnel to secure the push/pull tube to the left lug of the non-rotating portion of the swashplate assembly following maintenance, and the inability of the pilot to control the helicopter resulting in the in-flight collision with terrain.

Jul 28, 2004 Mount Clemens, MI N103MH Fatal (1) destroyed A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.
May 30, 2004 Queensland, AS VH-MIB Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 20, 2004 Kumealon Inlet, CA C-FILW Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
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.

Sep 28, 2003 Derby, AS VH-UXF Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 22, 2003 Tulalip, WA N7190K Fatal (1) destroyed A loss of control for unknown reasons.
Dec 23, 2002 Dolan Springs, AZ N888KB Fatal (2) destroyed
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight …

the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight at a low altitude.

May 22, 2002 Mammoth Lakes, CA N7194J Fatal (2) destroyed
The pilot's poor decision to continue the flight into the rising mountainous terrain, and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Co…

The pilot's poor decision to continue the flight into the rising mountainous terrain, and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Contributing factors were rising mountainous terrain, the high density altitude, and the exceeded weight and balance and performance capability of the helicopter.

Dec 11, 2001 Phitippeburg, GE D-HLHL Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 03, 2001 Seagoville, TX N127RB Fatal (1) substantial the flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance with wires while maneuvering along a river.
Aug 19, 2000 WATSONVILLE, CA N8313Z Fatal (2) destroyed
The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in mast bumping and rotor contact with t…

The divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in mast bumping and rotor contact with the fuselage.

Apr 27, 2000 SAN DIEGO, CA N622EH Fatal (1) destroyed The failure of the flight instructor to maintain control of the helicopter, resulting in skid contact with an obstacle and dynamic roll over.
Mar 24, 2000 RIALTO, CA N8328Q Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
Aug 27, 1999 CORNAKELLY, EI EIMAC Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 22, 1999 GROSSENHAIN, GE N220WP Fatal (4) substantial Investigation pending
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.

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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