10-May-12 N7523S Robinson R44 San Mateo, US-New Mexico
10-May-12
Unknown circumstances led to landing on Mount Taylor where pilot activated the ELT and both occupants walked away to raise the alarm. Pilot Jareb Mirczak of Nevada and passenger Sean Mossing of Carson City. Level of damage not clear, although State Police report refers to “wreckage”
Heliflite plans three Robinson safety courses in Australia and New Zealand
Source: Heliflite, 08-May-12
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday [...]
02-May-12 N209KR Robinson R22 Kona, US-Hawaii
02-May-12
Came down on training flight. Instructor and student both reported injured and to hospital
28-Apr-12 D-HARV Robinson R44 II Spieckern, Germany
28-Apr-12
Written off after hitting high-tension cables climbing out from a precautionary off-field landing due to an ill passenger. Three injured to hospital.
R44/R22 preflight iPhone/iPad app updated
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Apr-12
Swiss software developers MaxPower have updated their very helpful Robinson preflight app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, now at version 2.0. The app previously covered R22 Beta II and R44 Raven II and has now been expanded to cover the earlier R22 Beta model and the R44 Raven I. The app has also [...]
Rebtech modifies two Estonian R44s for night vision
Source: Rebtech, 25-Apr-12
Bedford, Texas: REBTECH and partner Night Flight Concepts recently completed modifications of two Estonian Air Force helicopters for NVIS systems. Estonia is located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The Õhuvägi (Estonian Air Force) is the main arm of the Estonian aviation forces and is tasked with political, military, economic, social, environmental and psychological [...]
R66 certification – Canada closer, EASA still ongoing
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-Apr-12
Robinson Helicopter Co are continuing to work through a number of outstanding issues in getting the R66 certified in Europe by EASA. THe main obstacle remains the design of the hydraulic servo. EASA is evaluating what is referred to as an “Equivalent Level Of Safety” finding which is in progress between RHC and the FAA. [...]
Lycoming releases first series of UL 91 unleaded avgas approvals
Source: Lycoming, 18-Apr-12
Just weeks after Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, announced it would seek Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to operate certain engines on ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas, it has received FAA approval to update its listing of approved fuels. Lycoming’s newly available Service Instruction SI-1070R lists 35 engine models approved to operate [...]
14-Apr-12 N1152W Robinson R22 Farmington, US-Connecticut
14-Apr-12
R22 piloted by state Rep. Bill Wadsworth crashed in a wood, injuring passenger Irene Van – who is quoted as saying “We were coming over the trees and all of a sudden we went into a crazy spin”
Lawsuit filed for September 2011 fatal R44 accident in Michigan
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Apr-12
The estate of a Michigan man killed in an R44 accident last September have filed a lawsuit claiming negligence contributed to the accident. Relatives of passenger Mark May initiated the claim, accusing the estate of the late pilot Dan Logghe of negligence, and that company Logghe Stamping Co – founded by Logghe’s grandfather Morris Logghe [...]
Robinson discontinues stainless steel main blades for R44 Astro and Raven I
Source: Rotorcorp, 11-Apr-12
As of April 1st 2012, Robinson Helicopter Company has discontinued sales of and is no longer filling orders for the older-style stainless steel MR blades for R44 Astro and Raven I helicopters. Per AD 2011-12-10 and R44 Service Letter 37- Robinson introduced new C016-7 aluminum-skinned blades to increase dent resistance and reduce corrosion that resulted in instances of debonding [...]
Robinson revises need for shielded aux fuel pump in ENG R44s
Source: Rotorcorp, 10-Apr-12
Due to continued supply shortages and spotty availability, Rotorcorp recently checked on availabilty of the KI-206-4 Auxillary Fuel Pump for use in ENG aircraft on a customer order. We were advised by our Customer Service Representative that the shielded KI-206-4 is now being replaced by the non-shielded KI-206-3 version of the pump. Robinson Technical Service Representative [...]
10-Apr-12 PNP-125 Robinson R44 Callao, Peru
10-Apr-12
Extensively damaged in force landing on roof of house. On board were Mayor Óscar Aronez Canova, Captain José Iván Tarrillo Díaz and officer Lucio Quispe Santillana, all of the Peruvian National Police
06-Apr-12 OO-DTZ Robinson R22B2 Huy, Belgium (2F)
06-Apr-12
Hit cable car wires during low level photographic work. Both pilot Jean-Yves Dantinne and photographer Lawrence Matagne lost their lives
06-Apr-12 PR-LDL Robinson R44 Feira de Santana, Brazil
06-Apr-12
Precautionary field landing, reasons not stated. no damage apparent from press photo
05-Apr-12 N104MH Robinson R22 Isabel, US-South Dakota
05-Apr-12
Unspecified crash, pilot airlifted to hospital. Registration/type assumed as pilot was quoted in the press report as “Duane Jake Kraft” and N104MH is owned by Duane J Kraft at a local address
Australia – Heliflite announces Robinson safety courses for May/June
Source: Heliflite, 28-Mar-12
Heliflite, Australasia’s longest serving authorised Robinson distributor are holding Robinson Factory Pilot Safety Courses in Sydney, Melbourne & Wanaka (NZ) during late May/ early June. All three courses will be conducted by Robinson’s Chief Instructor and Test Pilot, Tim Tucker. The Wanaka course will be held at the Edgewater Resort, Sargood Drive, Wanaka from Thursday [...]
Rotorcorp Supplier Program grabs attention of international Robinson operators
Source: Rotorcorp, 27-Mar-12
Rotorcorp LLC, an authorized factory service center for American-Made Robinson Helicopter Company, is expanding its reach in the global helicopter parts market with a new program targeted at small parts and major component supply for Robinson’s model R22, R44 and new R66 Turbine helicopters. Rotorcorp Director of Operations Sean Casey says “Nearly half of the 10,000- strong Robinson [...]
Embry-Riddle recognises safety record of Universal Helicopters
Source: Embry-Riddle, 27-Mar-12
President’s Safety Day is an annual event recognizing the safety record of the flight department at the Prescott campus. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President, Dr. John Johnson, attended the event on February 23, 2012, to present the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Safety. This year’s recipient was Mr. Gordon Jiroux, President and Owner of Universal [...]
Dutch R44 ditches in lake next to hotel
Source: HeliHub.com, 26-Mar-12
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
Fatal R22 accident in Italy
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Mar-12
This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site. Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred. Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]
25-Mar-12 PH-WQW Robinson R44 Zwolle, Netherlands
25-Mar-12
Helicopter ditched in lake adjacent to de Koperen Hoogte hotel. Three occupants – two adults and a child aged 5 – swam to safety. Press repots include a series of photos prior/during/after impact, but unclear what caused the helicopter to get into the flying state causing the ditching.
25-Mar-12 Robinson R22 Sinalunga, Italy (2F)
25-Mar-12
R22 crashed from a low level sharp turn shortly close in a ploughed field approx 200m from the pilot’s house, killing both occupants. The sequence was watched by the pilot’s son from the house, who immediately called the emergency services. The two were later named as pilot Marcello Bartalucci age 62 and Giampaulo Marri, age [...]
NAC details its milestones with Robinson Helicopter Co
Source: National Airways, 20-Mar-12
National Airways Corporation became a Robinson dealer in 1990 and was instrumental in bringing Robinson helicopters to South Africa. One of the first appointed dealers in the region, NAC took delivery of their first R22 in late 1990. Twenty one years later, NAC has proven to be an integral member of the Robinson dealer network. [...]
Review of Robinson R66, R44 and R22 lead times
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Mar-12
Information made available in the last week by a distributor of Robinson Helicopter Co shows that the lead times for delivery of new aircraft are: R22 Beta II – September 2012 R44 Raven I – October 2012 R44 Raven II – November 2012 R66 Turbine – May 2013 We note that the R66 order backlog [...]
HeliFlight to Exhibit R66 at Bitburg
Source: AviationExpo Europe, 19-Mar-12
Heli-Flight GmbH & Co KG will be exhibiting their Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter at AviationExpo Europe, Bitburg Airport during 22-24th June. The Robinson R66 incorporates many of the design features of its popular predecessor the R44, including a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic and open interior cabin configuration. But with a newly developed turbine engine, delivering increased performance and [...]
UK – New helicopter company at Shoreham
Source: Shoreham Airport, 18-Mar-12
Advance Helicopters (www.advancehelicopters.com) is now approved and operating at Shoreham Airport, near Brighton. The new venture has been set up by James Morrey and Spencer Phillips, with aviation’s highly regarded Ian MacGregor, acting as a consultant and examiner for the new company. All three previously worked at FAST Helicopters, whose sudden demise, through no fault [...]
15-Mar-12 N290SH Robinson R22 Palo Alto, US-California
15-Mar-12
Engine trouble on approach. Pilot was only occupant, and was not injured. After the landing, the helicopter was on its side in about a marshy area near the side of a lake (see photos in third link below)
Heliair new base at Fairoaks launched
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Mar-12
Saturday 10th March saw Heliair launch their new base at Fairoaks, Surrey on the south west outskirts of London. A popular airfield with an 800m hard runway, Fairoaks has long been known for training and charter work on both fixed and rotary wing, and is currently going through an evolution after the failure of Longmint [...]
New iPhone/iPad app helps Robinson R22 and R44 preflight
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Mar-12
Swiss software developers MaxPower have just launched a very helpful app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to help in the preflight calculations for a Robinson R22 Beta II or an R44 Raven II. By entering the actual values of temperature, QNH and elevation, the application calculates the manifold pressure and the never exceed [...]
Sloane Helicopters deliver another R66
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Mar-12
Sloane Helicopters are on the point of delivering another R66 to a UK customer, with last test flights being carried out last Friday, 2nd March. The helicopter will be based at Gloucestershire Airport in the west of England. This delivery marks the seventh R66 in the UK, with an eighth due soon via the Robinson [...]
Settlement reached in fatal Kittitas County R44 crash
Source: Yakima Herald, 04-Mar-12
A confidential settlement has been reached in the case of a helicopter crash in Kittitas County that killed four people and ignited a 485-acre forest fire. The settlement comes just days before jury selection in the lawsuit had been scheduled to start Monday in a King County Superior Court. (see full story) File photo
![Dawson[Lee] v Robinson Helicopter Co crash trial begins March 5](http://www.helihub.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/r44-white3-150x150.jpg)
Dawson[Lee] v Robinson Helicopter Co crash trial begins March 5
Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, 27-Feb-12
The trial of Dawson [Lee] v. Robinson Helicopter Company begins March 5, 2012 in Seattle, Washington over the death of Si Young Lee arising from the August 2, 2007 Robinson R44 II helicopter crash near Easton, Washington. According to court documents the helicopter experienced a low energy impact with the ground, whereupon it erupted in [...]
UK pilot achieves 10,000 Robinson R22 hours and counting
Source: Helicentre Aviation, 27-Feb-12
Congratulations to Captain Geoff Day who cracked open the bubbly on reaching his 10,000th hour in the R22 today! 10,000 hours is an incredible number of flight hours to achieve, but we’re not talking total time, his grand total is now around 23,000 hours on helicopters! The flight took place this afternoon – an instructional [...]
27-Feb-12 N177FS Robinson R44 Glendale, US-California
27-Feb-12
During post-maintenance run-up, helicopter fell on its side, caught fire and was destroyed
California Aviation Services to train future police pilots
Source: California Aviation Services, 26-Feb-12
After 9 years of helicopter service to the City of Fontana, California Aviation Services, Inc is expanding its flight school operation to include specialized police pilot helicopter training courses. In 2003, Leo Bell (15 year police veteran and founder of California Aviation Services, Inc) entered into a contract with the City of Fontana Ca, to [...]
Rolls-Royce RR300 tops 10,000 hours as aftermarket support grows globally
Source: Rolls-Royce, 21-Feb-12
The Rolls-Royce RR300 engine has topped 10,000 hours of flight time in the Robinson R66 helicopter, demonstrating continued engine reliability and performance. Robinson has 380 firm global orders for the R66, one of the fastest growing fleets of helicopters in the world, and is working with Rolls-Royce to increase the number of combined aircraft and [...]
21-Feb-12 VH-HRY Robnison R22 Beauchamp Station, Australia
21-Feb-12
During mustering operations, the helicopter collided with terrain. The pilot was not injured, however the helicopter was substantially damaged.
R66 hydraulics concerns hold up EASA and Canadian certification
20-Feb-12
Canadian and European regulators have held up certification of the five-seat Robinson R66 helicopter and requested more tests on the hydraulic system, said company president Kurt Robinson. (see full story)
19-Feb-12 N7508Y Robinson R22 Rio Vista, US-California
19-Feb-12
Crashed into field after mid-air collision with fixed-wing Beech Bonanza. Minor injuries. R22 pilot was experienced fixed wing pilot logging night hours as a student.
16-Feb-12 Robinson R44 Cape Town, South Africa
16-Feb-12
Heavy landing close to airport due to mechanical issues on climb out
New UK training centre dedicated to Robinson helicopters and their engines
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 14-Feb-12
Mornington Sanford Aviation and Sloane Helicopters have embarked on a joint venture to establish a training centre dedicated to supporting the Robinson Helicopter Company’s products and their associated power plants. This “centre of excellence” will be established at Sloane Helicopters’ facilities at Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton and will offer: EASA Part 147 type training and Robinson [...]
Garmin G500H approved for installation in R44
Source: Garmin, 14-Feb-12
Walking through Heli-Expo, you’re sure to see several helicopters equipped with Garmin’s G500H flight display. Models ranging from the EC 130 and AS 350 to the Bell 206 and 407 are all eligible for this glass cockpit upgrade. And now, one more helicopter model joins that list: The Robinson R44. Garmin announced this week that the G500H [...]
Leading Edge first to offer flight training in G500H equipped R44
Source: Leading Edge Aviation, 14-Feb-12
With STC in hand, Leading Edge Aviation is the first flight school in the US to offer instruction in a Garmin G500H equipped R44 helicopter. The glass cockpit installation offers higher level of safety, reliability and is a powerful tool in preparing students for success in the industry. Leading Edge now offers instruction using traditional [...]
Aspen Evolution Flight Displays now a Robinson Factory Option
Source: Aspen Avionics, 13-Feb-12
Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display system, announced today that the Evolution Primary Flight Display (PFD) system will be made available as a factory option on the Robinson R22, R44, and R66 series helicopters. The option is currently being evaluated and is expected to be available in late 2012. Aspen’s Evolution Flight [...]
R66 has backlog of 286 orders
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Feb-12
Robinson have announced with the delivery of the 100th R66 that they have received orders for 386 of the turbine five-seater so far. So, given 100 delivered to date that is a healthy backlog of 286 orders. 70% of production goes overseas, Robinson tells us. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com
Robinson releases details of R66 Police variant
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Feb-12
Robinson have now put a two-page PDF format brochure of the R66 Police helicopter on their website for all to view. The details on the police role equipment (ie over and above the standard R66 spec) are listed below from that brochure The demonstrator is registered N660PD, serial 0101 Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com . FACTORY-INSTALLED [...]
Robinson delivers R66 serial number 100
Source: Robinson, 11-Feb-12
On 23 December 2011, R66 serial number 0100 rolled off Robinson’s production line, one year and two months after the R66 Turbine received FAA certification. The 5-place R66 is Robinson’s largest and most powerful helicopter. The idea, conceived more than a decade ago, was to produce a reasonably priced, low maintenance, high performance turbine helicopter [...]
Families of Columbian R66 victims hire Los Angeles attorneys
Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, 07-Feb-12
[ Editor: This press release refers to the faccident -12-Jul-11 N810AG Robinson R66 Girardot Airport, Colombia (2F) ] The aviation accident attorneys at Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman are representing the families of the two men killed in Robinson Helicopter Company’s first R66 crash which occurred on July 12, 2011 near Flandes, Colombia. Killed in [...]
06-Feb-12 Robinson R22 Megara, Greece
06-Feb-12
Emergency landing after suspected mechanical issues on night flight in gusty weather.
05-Feb-12 N807LE Robinson R44 Modesto, US-California
05-Feb-12
Emergency landing on school field shortly after refuelling at Modesto Airport. No damage
04-Feb-12 VH-COK Robinson R44 Jaspers Brush, Australia (2F)
04-Feb-12
Crashed during take off, subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. Passenger named as film maker Mike DeGruy and pilot was the aircraft owner, Andrew Wight, of Great Wight Productions P/L.
UK: Saxonair adds R44 as fleet mix widens
Source: HeliHub.com, 31-Jan-12
Saxonair continue to expand their fleet, with both a Robinson R44 added in the last week and a Hawker 900XP jet reported on order for the Norwich-based operator. The company’s rotary wing fleet sees the addition of a low-time R44 Raven II from Belgium, previously OO-PVZ and now registered G-KLNJ. Anna Loake of Saxonair declined [...]
Families of 2 killed in R44 crash settle with Robinson
Source: Daily Breeze, 27-Jan-12
“All I can say is justice was done,” said Los Angeles-based lawyer Kevin Boyle, who represented the widow and family of Leo Straatman, a passenger in the R44 that went down in May 2006 near Desert Center, Calif. (see full story)
Robinson choose moving map for R66 Police version
Source: Flight Management Systems, 25-Jan-12
FMS is excited to share that the FMS Moving Map has been chosen by Robinson Helicopter Company for their Law Enforcement Demonstrator, R-66 helicopter Robinson wanted to go with a “Tried and True” system for the R-66 Police version that will be unveiled at Heli-Expo next month FMS President, Greg Taylor commented: “We are extremely [...]
Thai operator flies staff to California for R44 part
Source: HeliHub.com, 23-Jan-12
Thai operator Heliluck has recently sent staff on flights to California and back, solely to pick up an auxiliary fuel pump for a R44 Newscopter which was grounded. Robinson took the part off an aircraft on the production line. Round trip was reported as 37 hours, according to Robinson Safety Course trainer Richard Mornington-Sanford on [...]
23-Jan-12 VH-HYC Robinson R44 Parramatta, Australia
23-Jan-12
The pilot of the Robinson R44 took avoiding action when the Piper PA-28 passed in close proximity. No radio broadcasts were heard from the PA-28 and the pilot did not respond to radio calls.
Guidance Aviation donates R44 to Yavapai County Sheriff
Source: Guidance Aviation, 20-Jan-12
On Friday, January 20, 2012, at 4:00pm local time, Guidance Aviation will be presenting to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) the newly painted Robinson R44 helicopter which Guidance Aviation donated to the YCSO in October, 2010. This event is a part of the Guidance Aviation BBQ taking place at 6418 MacCurdy Drive, Prescott, AZ. [...]
19-Jan-12 PP-MOF Robinson R44 Lake Paranoá, Brazil
19-Jan-12
R44 took off from edge of car park and did not gain height, ditched into shallow water at edge of lake shortly after. 4POB exited without further problems
19-Jan-12 N369TL Robinson R44 St Mary Parish, US-Louisiana (2K)
19-Jan-12
Crashed in marshy area, killing both POB. pilot named as Jason McKean, 40, and passenger Lanny Ledet, 43.
16-Jan-12 G-FIRS Robinson R22 Llanwddyn, UK
16-Jan-12
Attempting to land on the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel`s designated helicopter pad. Cam down approx 100m short of the pad. Fire was put out – foam evident in the Photo here 2POB were a male aged 30 and female aged 32.
16-Jan-12 N728PG Robinson R44 Huntington Beach, US-California
16-Jan-12
Pilot reported smoke in the cabin and brought the craft down as a precaution on the junction of Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia at 9.40am local. 1POB, not injured.
15-Jan-12 Robinson R22 San Liberato, Italy (2F)
15-Jan-12
Crashed after hitting cables on approach to airfield, killing Filippo Sini, 39, and Vittorio Mestichelli, 57. [Warning - some photos in the Italian press show at least one of the bodies without it being covered up]
Robinson more than doubles 2010 production in 2011
Source: Robinson, 12-Jan-12
Robinson Helicopter Company continues to be the world’s leading producer of civil helicopters. In 2011, the company produced 356 helicopters (212 R44s, 88 R66s and 56 R22s), more than double 2010’s production of 162. While the R44 remains Robinson’s top selling helicopter, the response to its latest model, the R66 Turbine, has been very strong. [...]
11-Jan-12 SE-JPZ Robinson R44 Mosjøen, Norway (2F)
11-Jan-12
Reindeer herd owner and his Swedish pilot were herding the animals assisted by people on scooters when the accident happened. Heavy snow was reported in the area at the time. “The weather was bad and visibility was minimal,” Geir Mortensen, press spokesperson for the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Northern Norway, tells NRK.
10-Jan-12 D-HHTA Robinson R22 Egelsbach, Germany
10-Jan-12
Accident on first solo. R22 ended up on its port side
Southern California Helicopters announces new pilot program
Source: Pacific Flyer, 08-Jan-12
Southern California Helicopters Director of Operations Paul Pigneri has announced the roll-out of their new “Professional Helicopter Pilot Program.” (see full story)
06-Jan-12 G-CHZN Robinson R22 Witchford, UK (1F)
06-Jan-12
While on planned route Manston to Fenland, crashed in open field. Helicopter ended upside down with roof of cabin and rotorhead apparently taking the bulk of the impact – tail boom mainly undamaged. Port skid had been ripped off, and tail was separated but only a few metres away from the boom. Registration confirmed in [...]
