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
Mar 11, 2000 SAN DIEGO, CA N7078B Incident substantial
The pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff area which precluded his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift and resul…

The pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff area which precluded his ability to remain in ground effect until entering translational lift and resulted in his failure to maintain main rotor rpm.

Jan 27, 2000 SARITA, TX N2330F Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain main rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jan 22, 2000 PIRU, CA N4072T Incident substantial Failure of the pilot to maintain control after encountering a dynamic rollover.
Dec 03, 1999 MINDEN, NV N7183Y Incident substantial
the result of a foreign object contacting the tail rotor blade(s) while the aircraft was hover taxiing, which caused blade separation with subsequent …

the result of a foreign object contacting the tail rotor blade(s) while the aircraft was hover taxiing, which caused blade separation with subsequent loss of anti-torque (lateral) control.

Oct 21, 1999 JONESBORO, AR N2301C Incident substantial
The flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action to recover from a low rotor rpm situation. A factor was the student's failure to maintain ade…

The flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action to recover from a low rotor rpm situation. A factor was the student's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm.

Sep 26, 1999 ST. GEORGE, UT N8360J Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout. Factors included the pilot concentrating on the maneuver being practiced to such an extent that he was inatten…

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout. Factors included the pilot concentrating on the maneuver being practiced to such an extent that he was inattentive to outside surroundings, and the sun glare.

Sep 18, 1999 TUCUMCARI, NM N8497Y Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate visual lookout. A factor was a reduced visual detection due to background vegetation and terrain.
Jul 23, 1999 SPRING GREEN, WI N2313D Incident substantial the pilots failure to maintain clearance with the wire. A factor was the wire.
Jul 03, 1999 THERIOT, LA N8360T Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to a contaminated fuel supply and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the lack of sui…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to a contaminated fuel supply and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.

Jun 02, 1999 GLENNALLEN, AK N1929T Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were a downdraft, and uneven terrain.
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 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.
Feb 17, 1999 FREER, TX N971SL Incident substantial The passenger's inadvertent interference with the cyclic control which consequently restricted the control's movement.
Aug 21, 1998 RAMONA, CA N2335Q Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm while practicing autorotations and subsequent hard landing and roll over.
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
May 22, 1998 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA N2312N Incident substantial The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing was wind gusts.
May 16, 1998 SAN JOSE, CA N2332G Incident substantial The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
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.

Jan 31, 1998 OXNARD, CA N2308X Incident substantial The pilot's improper use of the collective during the initiation of the rollover, which prevented the recovery from the condition.
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.

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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