2-Jul-2013Source: Sloane Helicopters
Established in Mallorca since 1995, Sloane Helicopters has made an exciting decision to base a four-seater Robinson R44 aircraft in Ibiza for various dates throughout summer 2013. Flying in and out of Ibiza Airport, the Company will offer heli-sightseeing trips and a platform for aerial photography. Chief Pilot, Jonny Greenall, says, “We’ve enjoyed a fabulous 18 years... Read more
28-Jun-2013
“crashed under unknown circumstances” says the FAA. Pilot was solo student... Read more
27-Jun-2013Source: Precision Aviation Services
Peachtree City, GA based Precision Aviation Services (PAS), a Precision Aviation Group Company (PAG) has announced that it has been named a Robinson Helicopter Dealer and Service Center. PAS, formerly Gardner Aviation Services (GAS) is actively selling R22, R44 and R66 model Robinson Helicopters through its facility located at Falcon Field at the Atlanta Regional... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Heli Air are moving into Scotland with the purchase of Scotia Helicopters at Cumbernauld under the title “Heli Air Scotland”. Heli Air have been working with Scotia owner John Pearson for two years to reach agreement according to an article in The Herald which says that they were advised by Kytra Consulting. Headlining the new business as... Read more
19-Jun-2013
A police superintendent, a police pilot and another police officer survived a helicopter crash landing atop a rem ote mountain... Read more
17-Jun-2013
Bird strike, windshield damaged, landed OK... Read more
15-Jun-2013
Emergency landing on shoulder of main road after reported engine failure... Read more
6-Jun-2013
Pilot experienced mechanical issue, made immediate heavy landing, bounced and fell onto its side. Four POB minor injuries only.... Read more
3-Jun-2013
Two killed, one seriously injured – police helicopter on training flight. Post crash fire... Read more
3-Jun-2013
Deteriorating weather conditions were encountered. The pilot elected to divert and subsequently came into contact with trees while manoeuvring. The helicopter collided with terrain and was destroyed by post impact fire. The pilot was able to exit the helicopter but sustained serious injuries. CADORS 2013C2142... Read more
2-Jun-2013
Helicopter crashed into lake, 3 POB saved by nearby boaters... Read more
24-May-2013
Crashed in heavy wooded area. Fatalities named as pilot William Higgenbotham, 32, and the passenger was Catalina Richard, 21.... Read more
15-May-2013Source: IOL
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given the green light for a R4-million sponsorship of two anti-rhino poaching helicopters as well as securing two fixed-wing aircraft to bolster the fight against the onslaught of rhino poaching in KZN. (See Full Story)... Read more
15-May-2013Source: Helifilte
Heliflite’s authorised Robinson helicopter sales and service centre at Jandakot Airport celebrates five years of operation. In 2008 Heliflite opened its Western Australian centre at Perth’s Jandakot Airport. Manager Tony Bates leads the experienced Heliflite WA team. Heliflite has long been involved in the Western Australian helicopter industry going back to the late 1970s with a charter organisation once based... Read more
13-May-2013Source: Alabama Media Group
A helicopter tour and charter business continues to expand in the city with the council’s approval of a second heliport this week. (See Full Story)... Read more
8-May-2013
Very heavy landing on snow at 2,500m (8,200ft) altitude. Helicopter ended up on its side with the tail boom broken. Minor injuries to the 73-year old pilot and his wife/passenger... Read more
7-May-2013Source: Colorado Heli-Ops
After their move in November to a larger newly remodeled facility, the Broomfield, Colo.-based company has added new helicopters and services. Heli-Ops is now a full service helicopter flight center. Their award-winning training center is the first in the United States to offer full-curriculum Scenario Based Training programs. They also have a utility side of... Read more
7-May-2013Source: Los Angeles Helicopters
Los Angeles Helicopters, LLC (LAH), a leading helicopter flight training operator, is pleased to announce that after completing FAA commercial license and Instrument rating training for 6 pilots from Rwanda in 2012, LAH was invited to travel to Rwanda and provide additional Mountain training as well as Emergency Procedures training and a refresher course for... Read more
7-May-2013Source: Sky News
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued an order grounding all Robinson R44 helicopters that have not undergone a recently ordered safety upgrade. (See Full Story)... Read more
2-May-2013
Tail boom broke off from the cabin area – which in turn came to rest on the vertical rear of the engine cover with the nose pointing to the sky.... Read more
2-May-2013
Rolled over during aerial spraying operation... Read more
30-Apr-2013Source: Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics, manufacturer of the innovative Evolution Flight Display System, announced today the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for installation of Aspen Evolution H-series Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFDs) into the Robinson R44 and R44 II model helicopters. Previously announced for N-registered aircraft, this expanded Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from... Read more
29-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson specialist Rotorcorp has posted an online video to help the appeal to track down an axe-wielding vandal who seriously damaged a Robinson R44. The helicopter was parked outside overnight in Montreal Canada on Friday 19th April 2013, when someone. Damage to the tail boom and most windows is evident from the video, as well... Read more
24-Apr-2013Source: Lycoming
Lycoming Engines, a division of Avco Corporation, released Service Instruction SI-1070R in April of 2012, which approved a wide variety of engines for use with ASTM D7547 UL 91 unleaded avgas. European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2011-01 provided aircraft-level approval on the basis of engine approval. Today Lycoming is pleased to... Read more
23-Apr-2013
Helicopter departed Nelspruit, picked up passengers at Casterbridge and was en route to Grand Central, but crashed in an open field. Visibility is quoted in press reports as a possible factor. The victims were named as Nicholas More, Pierre de Villiers, Lance Cooper and Elmarie Martens.... Read more
23-Apr-2013
Helicopter rolled over onto its side, causing substantial damage, shortly after cameraman had got out. Off airfield landing at transport depot of BE-Trans... Read more
15-Apr-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
On March 11 Sweden got a new helicopter pilot, a pilot who passed his skill test at the age of 76. Mr Erik Öinert, a former fighter pilot, gained his private helicopter license (PPL-H) after training with flight instructor Svein Martinsen in Helicopter Assistance’s R44 SE-JOE. As implied, Erik is not new to flying. In... Read more
12-Apr-2013
76 year old pilot and his 51 year old passenger not injured in accident, which left helicopter on its side... Read more
11-Apr-2013Source: NZ CAA
The CAA proposes the following new Airworthiness Directive requiring the replacement of aluminium fuel tanks on Robinson R44 series aircraft with new bladder-type tanks of improved resistance to post-accident rupture. The AD is prompted by reports of three Robinson R44 accidents in Australia involving fuel tank ruptures and fires. These accidents resulted in the loss... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: AIAA
Frank D. Robinson, founder, Robinson Helicopter Company, Torrance, Calif., has been selected to receive the 2013 Daniel Guggenheim Medal. He will receive the medal on Wednesday evening, May 22, at the Grand Awards Banquet of the American Helicopter Society International’s 69th Annual Forum and Technology Display, May 21–23, at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Ariz.... Read more
10-Apr-2013Source: IOL NEWS
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).... Read more
9-Apr-2013
Moved on its pad while the pilot was conducting checks after engine start, with the tail rotor striking and rupturing a container of AVGAS.... Read more
8-Apr-2013Source: Florida Today
This site is across the highway from Xtreme Fun at Jungle Village, and he plans to lease a Robinson R44 he calls the Honda of helicopters (see full story)... Read more
5-Apr-2013Source: ATSB
Robinson R44 helicopters that have not been fitted with upgraded fuel tanks face being grounded from 30 April 2013. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued a direction to all affected R44 helicopter operators about the installation of flexible fuel tanks to reduce the risk of post-accident fires. CASA has made it clear that R44... Read more
4-Apr-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Miami-Dade Police have today issued a statement naming Mark Palmieri, aged 53, as the deceased pilot of the R44 which came down in a fatal crash close to Tamiami Airport yesterday. Palmieri was the owner of Bravo Helicopters, which was based at the airport. There is no indication at this time as to the cause... Read more
3-Apr-2013
Crashed into a parking lot two miles after take-off, killing both occupants. Non-aviation witnesses report an explosion before the helicopter reached the ground. Post crash fire. The deceased were later named by Miami Dade Police as pilot Mark Palmieri and passenger Ross Allen. One report states it was a post-maintenance test flight... Read more
3-Apr-2013
Unknown circumstances. Wreck found next morning after failing to arrive at intended destination... Read more
30-Mar-2013
Precautionary landing – no further details known... Read more
28-Mar-2013
Pilot Franklin Holguín Sandoval smelt burning and made successful autorotation landing. Shortly after leaving the aircraft it was engulfed in flames and burnt out. Solo pilot was uninjured.... Read more
26-Mar-2013
Powerline patrol helicopter had accident involving trees. Pilot uninjured. CADAORS ref 2013C1124... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: The Australian
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: ATP
ATP has released 5 new libraries in support of Robinson Helicopters. They include 1 new Maintenance Library and 4 new Operator Libraries. The Maintenance Library includes the Maintenance Manuals, Parts Catalogs, Service Bulletins, ADs and Flight Manuals needed to maintain the R66 airframe. The Operators Libraries include the POH, ADs, MMEL, and AIM and are... Read more
21-Mar-2013
Clipped tree(s) during landing phase and crashed killing all four on board. Helicopter operator Bankstown Helicopters confirmed that the aircraft had been hired by a private pilot... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: The Daily Observer
Four people are in custody including two inmates of a maximum-security jail who made a brazen daylight escape when a hijacked helicopter dropped a cable to the convicts and flew off (see full story). The successful escape was then curtailed when Quebec Provincial Police tracked down the escapee, who gave himself up peacefully.... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 6 September 2011 in Ånn, close to Åre, involving a Norwegian helicopter with the registration LN-OAB. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Astro, was taking off for a private flight with three people onboard when the engine... Read more
15-Mar-2013Source: Seymour Herald
Public Safety Aviation, a public private partnership, held a presentation conference to highlight the benefits of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department new helicopter patrol Feb. 22 (see full story)... Read more
14-Mar-2013
Aircraft landed on its skids but tail boom severed (by main blades?) see photo.... Read more
2-Mar-2013
Struck powerlines and crashed, reportedly after engine failure. Helicopter destroyed... Read more
28-Feb-2013Source: Helidecks Software Solutions
Helidecks Software Solutions has released a series of cockpit guide and checklist apps for the AW109 and R44 helicopters. A professional-grade pilots checklist, the app is designed to provide pilots and instructors with an easy-to-follow challenge and response style set of checklists. The app is available to purchase through the Apple iTunes store. for use... Read more
27-Feb-2013Source: Helitowcart
Helitowcart, a specialist in helicopter handling devices and accessories is now adding a new product: Dual Wheels compatible with the R44 and R66. Helitowcart wheels for Robinsons are known for their heavy duty construction for long term reliability. The company already offers multiple wheel models and configurations for Robinsons. This latest addition will cater to... Read more
24-Feb-2013
Witnesses heard a loud bang before the R44 on a scenic tour made an emergency landing in the lake. Helicopter remained upright in less than 1m of water. All 4 POB exited safely... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: HAI
Matthew L. Spitzer, musician, entrepreneur, and flying enthusiast, passed away in Hayward, Calif. on February 8, 2013. Matthew was born June 20, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and raised in Niagara Falls, N.Y. A talented professional pianist with perfect pitch, Matthew played in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area both solo and with The Billy Howells Band. Matthew... Read more
18-Feb-2013Source: Rotorcorp
Airworthiness Directive 2012-19-01 has been issued by the FAA in September of 2012 for certain O540 and IO-540 engines installed in Robinson R44 helicopters. RotorCorp has arranged for priority pricing on Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt zero time engines that renders this new AD a non-issue for R44 helicopter owners around the world. The AD... Read more
5-Feb-2013Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist in the investigation of a Robinson R44 II helicopter that crashed about 80 miles north of Asuncion, Paraguay. Initial reports indicate that the pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is being led by the Paraguay Civil Aviation Authority (CIPAA). The NTSB has... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Presidential candidate Lino Oviedo, aged 69, died in an accident involving the Robinson R44 he was flying in on Saturday night. The accident also claimed the lives of his bodyguard Derlis Galeano, and the pilot, Ramón Aurelio Picco. Our safety data pages have more details at 02-Feb-13 ZP-HAH Robinson R44 Puerto Antequera, Paraguay (3F) Some... Read more
3-Feb-2013Source: Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas Supreme Court upholds the decision of a lower court to invalidate a 2008 contract for Topeka Police to buy an R44 after the down payment of $74,000 had been paid. (see full story here – and the documentation from the court here)... Read more
2-Feb-2013
Presidential candidate Lino Oviedo died in the accident along with his bodyguard Derlis Galeano, and the pilot, Ramón Aurelio Picco. The flight was scheduled for 7.15pm but did not take off until 9.00pm, despite objections from the pilot that the helicopter was not suitably equipped for night flight and that there was an approaching storm... Read more
30-Jan-2013
“In the evening of January 27, 2013 Gemini was alerted of an overdue helicopter with a last known location approximately 77 kilometers southwest of Fox Creek. ” (see full story) File photo... Read more
28-Jan-2013
Survey helicopter overdue. Weather may have been an issue as a Canadian military Bell 412 involved in the search had to return to base due to weather. CADAORS 2013C0386... Read more
27-Jan-2013Source: ATSB
ATSB summary of the accident follows:- What happened On 3 September 2011, the pilot and one crewman of a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 helicopter, registered VH-HCA (HCA), departed an airstrip located near Kumarina roadhouse, approximately 150 km south of Newman, Western Australia. The crew were conducting low-level geophysical survey operations when the pilot was observed... Read more
25-Jan-2013
Helicopter came down after hitting powerlines. Pilot Francois Liebenberg and his two passengers were all taken to hospital with injuries. Close up video tour of wreckage here on YouTube... Read more
18-Jan-2013Source: Smithville Times
From the company being founded in Oregon in 2007, and expanding into California, Jerry Trimble Helicopters has now opened at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport in Texas (see full story)... Read more
16-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero is reported in local press as announcing that the the national law enforcement agency “Policía Boliviana” will receive two Robinson R44s later this month. Due to the altitudes involved in Bolivia, the pair will not be able to fly around the capital La Paz, which lies between 10,650 and 13,250... Read more
14-Jan-2013Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2012 was 517 helicopters – 191 R66s, 286 R44s and 40 R22s, a 45% increase over 2011’s production of 356. As in previous years, the majority of those sales (70%) went to foreign customers. Based on the backlog of new orders, Robinson anticipates 2013’s production numbers to surpass 2012’s. The current... Read more
11-Jan-2013
Main rotor blade struck the tail boom during start-up due to a wind gust. Significant damage was caused to the tail boom, with associated damage to the rotor blades.... Read more
10-Jan-2013
Helicopter crashed on to highway, killing pilot. Post crash fire. Truck driver injured in the ensuing chaos. No other injuries, despite heavy traffic at the time. Weather reported as wet. Helicopter _may_ have hit wires, causing crash. Pilot reported as ” 42 year old small business owner from Hohenlohe”... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Payson Roundup
Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scoured the bottom of the lake for more than a week, but found no sign of the helicopter, which splashed into the lake during a sightseeing flight out of Mesa (see full story). File photo see also the following from HeliHub.com safety data pages – 07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44... Read more
3-Jan-2013
During lift off, the helicopter’s tail struck the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
17-Dec-2012
Star Helicopters, one of the leading helicopter tour operators in Los Angeles, is proud to begin operating charter and air taxi helicopter rides with an FAA Part 135 certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft operators carrying passengers for hire in point-to-point helicopter rides or charters and commuter flights must carry this... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman
Robinson helicopter crash lawyers, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, can report that Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 fuel tank rebate offer is about to expire. After many low impact post-crash fires, the company announced that it was offering a $1,000 incentive to R44 owners who purchase and install their bladder fuel tank kit by December 31,... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Sloane Helicopters opened its base in Northern Ireland at Enniskillen Airport back in 2007 before the recession hit – and it’s no secret that helicopter operations in Northern Ireland have been hit nearly as badly as those in the country of Ireland to the south. Undaunted by this, Sloane are showing a continued commitment... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: IHST
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), a worldwide organization leading a multi-year effort to enhance safety and reduce the civil helicopter accident rate, has added Robinson Helicopter Company President Kurt Robinson to its Executive Committee. Kurt Robinson heads the Robinson Helicopter Company, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. The company of nearly... Read more
