Robinson R44 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 366 events recorded from 1993 to 2026.

366

All Events

107

Incidents

45

Minor

33

Serious

165

Fatal (345 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Sep 25, 2013 Flagstaff, AZ N190SH Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while landing in a gusty wind at a high density altitude.
Mar 01, 2011 Forestville, CA CFNZO Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jan 21, 2010 San Felipe, CI CC-PSZ Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jul 05, 2008 Canyon Lake, TX N804DF Minor substantial
A total loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to operate inside the height velocity curve…

A total loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to operate inside the height velocity curve.

Jun 15, 2008 Topanga, CA N168AG Minor substantial
The in-flight separation of the tail rotor gear box for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the hilly terrain, which was unsuitab…

The in-flight separation of the tail rotor gear box for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the hilly terrain, which was unsuitable for a forced landing.

Jun 14, 2008 Missoula, MT N272SW Minor destroyed
The student's inadvertent control interference, which the flight instructor was unable to overcome. A contributing factor was the instructor's poor cr…

The student's inadvertent control interference, which the flight instructor was unable to overcome. A contributing factor was the instructor's poor crew coordination in his failure to verbally command the student to relinquish the controls and his inadequate supervision of the flight.

May 15, 2008 Lake Wales, FL N911GJ Minor substantial The pilot's improper recovery from a practice autorotation.
Jan 15, 2008 Fenner, NY N122AA Minor substantial
The pilot's delayed decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in snow and the soft terrain…

The pilot's delayed decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in snow and the soft terrain.

Oct 02, 2007 Lake Powell, UT N644BS Minor substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to remove a tie-down strap before departure.
Jul 28, 2006 Flagstaff, AZ N74780 Minor substantial
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning decision to take off under a low ceiling into an area of mountainous terrain that resulted in an encounter w…

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning decision to take off under a low ceiling into an area of mountainous terrain that resulted in an encounter with lowering clouds and forced the pilot to land in unfavorable terrain.

May 28, 2006 Wailuku, HI N555JD Minor substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions that resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing …

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions that resulted in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing area.

Nov 01, 2005 Bourne, MA N319CD Minor substantial
The inadvertent contact of a lift strap with the tail rotor during external load operations, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent collisi…

The inadvertent contact of a lift strap with the tail rotor during external load operations, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent collision with terrain. A factor in this accident was the gusty wind conditions.

Aug 13, 2005 Greenwood, IN N534SE Minor substantial The inadequate remedial action during landing by the pilot.
Jul 07, 2005 St. Cloud, FL N90SG Minor substantial
The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with a palm tree resulting in the in-flight collision with it, and subsequent uncontrolled descent and …

The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with a palm tree resulting in the in-flight collision with it, and subsequent uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the ground.

Feb 14, 2005 Lake Arrowhead, CA N44NG Minor substantial
the certified flight instructor's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and his selection of terrain unsuitable for a safe takeoff whic…

the certified flight instructor's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions and his selection of terrain unsuitable for a safe takeoff which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Aug 05, 2004 Chesterfield, MO N7036J Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning due to his selection of an unsuitable takeoff area and his failure to maintain clearance from the open hanga…

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning due to his selection of an unsuitable takeoff area and his failure to maintain clearance from the open hangar door. A contributing factor was the open hangar door.

Feb 18, 2004 Daytona Beach, FL N323TC Minor substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while hover taxiing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent in-flight collision wi…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while hover taxiing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain and a rollover of the helicopter. A factor associated with the accident was a gusty wind condition.

May 17, 2003 Lake Ozark, MO N227G Minor substantial
An inability to maintain control of the helicopter during the wind gust and brief tail wind. The ravine, wind gust and tailwind were contributing fac…

An inability to maintain control of the helicopter during the wind gust and brief tail wind. The ravine, wind gust and tailwind were contributing factors to the accident.

Sep 29, 2002 Del Rio, TX N952LC Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A contributing factor was the reported gusting wind conditions.
Jul 13, 2002 Bavaro, DR HI-757CA Minor substantial Investigation pending
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 R44 For Sale All Robinson Models
Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data
View 448 Robinson R44 for sale ↓