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
Jan 02, 2019 Santa Maria Island, FL N772MG Serious (1) substantial The pilot's loss of helicopter control while maneuvering at a low altitude after being struck in the head by a bird.
Jan 01, 2019 Ubatuba, BR PR-RMZ Fatal substantial Investigation pending
Dec 18, 2018 Strykersville, NY N7535S Incident substantial The structural failure of the home-built landing platform during landing, which resulted in the helicopter rolling over.
Nov 18, 2018 Knox City, TX N4167Y Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed with a tailwind, which resulted in the helicopter settling with power, and his subsequent incorrect …

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed with a tailwind, which resulted in the helicopter settling with power, and his subsequent incorrect collective application while attempting to recover, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Nov 10, 2018 Lihue, HI N445KP Incident substantial
The passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail r…

The passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail rotor.

Oct 23, 2018 Kaneohe, HI N4132H Serious (3) substantial The pilot’s sudden incapacitation from an undiagnosed heart condition during flight, which resulted in a hard landing.
Oct 07, 2018 Salinas, CA N611TH Incident substantial The partial loss of engine power after takeoff due to faulty wiring to the engine governor.
Oct 01, 2018 Bodaybo, RS RA-05758 Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Sep 30, 2018 Westminster, MD N440SH Incident substantial
The pilot's attempt to move the helicopter from a sloped surface after an overspeed event, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and impact w…

The pilot's attempt to move the helicopter from a sloped surface after an overspeed event, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and impact with a car. The overspeed event resulted from misrouted and damaged wiring in the magneto, which subsequently resulted in errant and random signals to the governor.

Sep 25, 2018 Buttonville, CA C-GMCT Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Sep 18, 2018 Wahiawa, HI N632NV Incident substantial
Loss of oil in flight as a result of a loose oil filter adapter which resulted in the pilot initiating an immediate landing to an open field. Contribu…

Loss of oil in flight as a result of a loose oil filter adapter which resulted in the pilot initiating an immediate landing to an open field. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's manipulation of the throttle that led to a reduction in rotor rpm, which resulted in his inability to perform a normal landing.

Sep 05, 2018 Domažlická 1059, Plzen - Skvrnany, EZ I-CCNI Fatal (4) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 30, 2018 Girdwood, AK N99645 Incident substantial The fisherman's fishing rod striking the helicopter’s rotating main rotor disk during loading.
Jul 29, 2018 Bettles, AK N744AK Incident substantial
Maintenance personnel's application of insufficient preload on the attachment hardware for the idler gear shaft during engine overhaul, which resulted…

Maintenance personnel's application of insufficient preload on the attachment hardware for the idler gear shaft during engine overhaul, which resulted in the dismounting of the idler gear shaft assembly due to wear and deformation and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a mechanic's failure to identify metallic particles contained in the oil filter element at the most recent 100-hour inspection.

Jul 27, 2018 Lantana, FL N479AT Minor substantial The student pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Jul 27, 2018 Elma, IA N466EL Minor substantial The pilot's failure maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
Jul 11, 2018 Domecko, PL SP-MAP Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 10, 2018 Rulo, NE N144DJ Incident substantial
The pilot's improper collective application, which resulted in low rotor rpm during the takeoff climb and a subsequent ground collision. Contributing …

The pilot's improper collective application, which resulted in low rotor rpm during the takeoff climb and a subsequent ground collision. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the operation.

Jul 09, 2018 Okawville, IL N944DC Incident substantial
The pilot's improper preflight weight and balance calculation, which resulted in his operating the helicopter over its maximum gross takeoff weight an…

The pilot's improper preflight weight and balance calculation, which resulted in his operating the helicopter over its maximum gross takeoff weight and in its subsequent failure to climb.

Jul 08, 2018 Williamsburg, VA N616HS Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.
Jul 07, 2018 Kanaš, LO OM-TTM Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Apr 01, 2018 Rosario, BR PP-WVR Fatal (4) substantial Investigation pending
Feb 02, 2018 St Joachim de Courval, CA C-GYMG Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 23, 2018 Recife, BR PP-HLI Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Jan 17, 2018 Ayers Rock, AS VH-HGX Serious (2) 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.
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