18-May-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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,... Read more
16-May-2012
R44 was engaged in aerial saw work, clearing trees away from powerlines. While reportedly ferrying back to a field landing site, the helicopter crashed and was destroyed (photo). Sole occupant pilot had minor injuries.... Read more
16-May-2012
Very heavy landing which caused the main blades to snap 30cm from the root. It would appear that rotor rpm decayed to the extent it fell vertically out of the sky. Skids splayed out, mast damaged but tail boom appears unscathed... Read more
10-May-2012
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”... Read more
8-May-2012Source: Heliflite
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... Read more
28-Apr-2012
Written off after hitting high-tension cables climbing out from a precautionary off-field landing due to an ill passenger. Three injured to hospital.... Read more
25-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
25-Apr-2012Source: Rebtech
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... Read more
18-Apr-2012Source: Lycoming
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... Read more
11-Apr-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
11-Apr-2012Source: Rotorcorp
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... Read more
10-Apr-2012Source: Rotorcorp
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... Read more
10-Apr-2012
Extensively damaged in force landing on roof of house. On board were Mayor Óscar Aronez Canova, Captain José Iván Tarrillo DÃaz and officer Lucio Quispe Santillana, all of the Peruvian National Police... Read more
6-Apr-2012
Precautionary field landing, reasons not stated. no damage apparent from press photo... Read more
1-Apr-2012
Pilot Raffaele Morelli di Quarto was not seriously injured in the crash of this R44 from low level, although photos of the R44 show extensive damage... Read more
28-Mar-2012Source: Heliflite
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... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Rotorcorp
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... Read more
27-Mar-2012Source: Embry-Riddle
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... Read more
26-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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,... Read more
25-Mar-2012
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.... Read more
20-Mar-2012Source: National Airways
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.... Read more
19-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
18-Mar-2012Source: Shoreham Airport
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... Read more
12-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
8-Mar-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
4-Mar-2012Source: Yakima Herald
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)Â File photo... Read more
3-Mar-2012
Tail sustained damage on take-off... Read more
27-Feb-2012Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman
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... Read more
27-Feb-2012
During post-maintenance run-up, helicopter fell on its side, caught fire and was destroyed... Read more
26-Feb-2012Source: California Aviation Services
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... Read more
16-Feb-2012
Heavy landing close to airport due to mechanical issues on climb out... Read more
15-Feb-2012
Unscheduled landing in a parking lot... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: Sloane Helicopters
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... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: Garmin
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... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: Leading Edge Aviation
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... Read more
13-Feb-2012Source: Aspen Avionics
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... Read more
13-Feb-2012
Unknown circumstances... Read more
11-Feb-2012
Confined site with various small buildings in the immediate vicinity. As the helicopter lifted off, it yawed to the left but the pilot over corrected. He then applied more collective in an attempt to escape from the situation but the helicopter yawed through about 180° and reached a height of about 25 to 30 ft,... Read more
5-Feb-2012
Emergency landing on school field shortly after refuelling at Modesto Airport. No damage... Read more
4-Feb-2012
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.... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
27-Jan-2012Source: Daily Breeze
“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)... Read more
23-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
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... Read more
23-Jan-2012
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.... Read more
21-Jan-2012
Loose cargo bag flew into rotors... Read more
20-Jan-2012Source: Guidance Aviation
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. Â This event is a part of the Guidance Aviation BBQ taking place at 6418 MacCurdy Drive, Prescott, AZ.... Read more
19-Jan-2012
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... Read more
19-Jan-2012
Crashed in marshy area, killing both POB.  pilot named as Jason McKean, 40, and passenger Lanny Ledet, 43.... Read more
16-Jan-2012
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.... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Robinson
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.... Read more
11-Jan-2012
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.... Read more
8-Jan-2012Source: Pacific Flyer
Southern California Helicopters Director of Operations Paul Pigneri has announced the roll-out of their new “Professional Helicopter Pilot Program.” (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2012
Main blade struck tree. CADAORS 2012P0016... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: US Air Force
Solicitation Number:FA9302-12-R-0014 Notice Type:Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Synopsis: Added:Â Dec 23, 2011 1:33 pm The solicitation number is FA9302-12-R-0014. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared IAW the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation for this requirement. This is a request for quotations... Read more
30-Dec-2011
Helicopter clipped powerlines while flying at low level over a crowd of around 2,000 at a Christmas event. The 4POB suffered slight injuries and it is miraculous that no-one on the ground was killed. Check the YouTube videos here and here.... Read more
30-Dec-2011
Tourist flight. Tail boom cut by main rotors, helicopter ended up on port side. Ground covered in snow – potential for vertical reference issues.... Read more
17-Dec-2011
Two male occupants were treated for superficial wounds and bruises... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: NTSB
This is the text from the Preliminary Report. By its very nature, the details are subject to change and should not be relied upon. The Final Report for this incident will be issued in due course:- On November 24, 2011, approximately 1900 central standard time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N821JV, sustained substantial damage when... Read more
9-Dec-2011
Impacted terrain. The commercial-rated pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: KSU
Helicopter flight training at Kansas State University is getting a boost through a partnership with Universal Helicopters. “The partnership initially will bring in three helicopters and four full-time flight instructors, which allows us to better meet the flight-training demands of our students,” said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State’s aviation department. The incoming fleet consists of... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: Heli Air
Heli Air, the UK’s leading helicopter company is very pleased to confirm its new base at Thruxton Aerodrome. Shaun Byam heads-up the newly refurbished Heli Air facility, soon to be fully equipped with R22 and R44 helicopters for pilot training. Heli Air Thruxton at Hangar 2 within the aerodrome has full access to the huge... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: Big Bend Community College
A partnership between Big Bend Community College and Inland Helicopters of Spokane will provide opportunities for students to become helicopter pilots while earning an associates degree. The new helicopter pilot training program begins in January of 2012. “This is another example of the type of public/private partnerships we must establish to create new programs in... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: The Journal
Claire Jobling, an accountant by trade who worked for the Co-operative before spending five years at globally-successful Eutechnyx, has acquired Newcastle Airport-based Northumbria Helicopters for an undisclosed sum. (see full story)... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Crashed while giving an 80-year-old her birthday present flight. Ended up on its starboard side with the tail boom apparently separated midway down its length.... Read more
24-Nov-2011
went down into Ten Mile Lake, near Hackensack, MN killing pilot John Zacher, whose body was found the next day. His wife Vicki Zacher was the only passenger and survived.... Read more
23-Nov-2011
Helicopter ended up on its port side with the tail boom sliced. 23-Nov-11 is assumed date – the first reference we can find is in the evening of that date.... Read more
18-Nov-2011
Sole occupant pilot Yevgeniy Kurbatov killed. High energy impact with terrain, helicopter broken in many parts, but no sign of post crash fire. Reported as low time pilot with only 20 hours experience, and flying at night. Helicopter was found on 26th November by a volunteer search team Liza Alert the day after the state... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Robinson Helicopter Co held a ceremony on Thursday 10th November for local press and dignitaries to celebrate the production of the 10,000th helicopter at their Torrance factory. A press release is reportedly forthcoming. Until then, these are the pertinent points gleaned from local press reports Employment is increasing, with 200 new jobs in 2011 taking... Read more
12-Nov-2011Source: Southland Times
Lloyd Matheson, from Southern Lakes Helicopters, said the new Robinson R66 helicopter the company had on lease was more efficient and bigger than its existing Robinson R44. A decision on whether to buy an R66 model was likely to be made after that, Mr Matheson said. (see full story)... Read more
27-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Best Ocean Airpark has ordered two new Robinson R44 helicopters and is expecting to take delivery of them in November. Best Ocean Airpark is a US-style residential complex based around a private 860 meter runway, but also provide a flying club as part of the facilities. The airstrip opened in August 2009. All houses back... Read more
25-Oct-2011Source: Kapiti Observer
Commissioner Stephen Chiles granted consent for Heliworx to run scenic tourist and charter flights using Robinson R44 helicopters on the pad adjacent the shopping area. Under the consent conditions, flights will run between 9am and 6pm from December to March, and 9.30am and 4pm during the rest of the year. (see full story) – see... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In 2009 EASA published their proposed operation and equipment rules, and many pilots submitted responses.  EASA have listened to those comments and to the recommendations of the NCO Review Group , and have now published their proposed rules.   The resulting text (after the changes) of the revised ops rules for non commercial light aircraft and... Read more
24-Oct-2011Source: Middletown Patch
As talk mounts for the repeal of the state’s new tourism tax, it’s a no brainer that helicopter pilot and business owner Jeff Codman is right on board – in a recent interview he said that 90% of his business is tours. (see full story)... Read more
20-Oct-2011
R44 owner Jon Gonsoulin, president of LeBeouf Bros., got the OK Monday at Terrebonne’s Board of Adjustment meeting. The decision allows Gonsoulin to put a helipad on his 18-acre residential property in Mulberry Estates, a subdivision along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. (See full story)... Read more