6-Feb-2015Source: HeliHub.com
After a level 2013 (over 2012) and a bumper 45% increase in 2012 production over 2011, Robinson production sunk in 2014. Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2014 was 329 helicopters – 101 R66s, 186 R44s and 42 R22s, a huge 37% drop compared to 2013’s production of 523. Looking at each model, the R22 production was... Read more
1-Feb-2015
Very heavy landing on training flight on steeply sloping ground. skids splayed out and cabin touched ground but main blades apparently undamaged. Both flight instructor Diego Ramos, 35, and student Eduardo Dias, 41, were taken to hospital... Read more
1-Feb-2015
Pilot experienced a loss of engine power during turn on approach – autorotation unsuccessful due to low altitude. The helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the forward fuselage and tailboom.... Read more
1-Feb-2015
After take-off, the helicopter lost lift and collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured.... Read more
28-Jan-2015Source: CASA
We repost in full the following advice from Australian regulator CASA Changes have been made to the flight crew licensing requirements for R22 and R44 helicopters, to make it easier for pilots operating these aircraft. New legislative instruments were registered on 5 January, with the following changes now in effect. The R22 and R44 are now... Read more
28-Jan-2015Source: HeliHub.com
We note from their Facebook page that HQ Aviation at Denham, UK, have added a second Robinson R66 to their fleet. The actual aircraft is N44829, a really early example with serial number 0034. This was originally acquired by German distributor Heli-Flight at Reichelsheim from new in 2011, and it has remained on the FAA... Read more
28-Jan-2015
Mid air collision with fixed wing Piper Pa28 N54380... Read more
23-Jan-2015
After take-off, the engine lost power and the pilot conducted a forced landing. The helicopter collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.... Read more
20-Jan-2015
Heavy landing, reportedly after engine problems. 4 POB got out with minor or no injuries. Post-crash fire... Read more
19-Jan-2015Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company announces the Garmin G500H Avionics Display System and the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS autopilot are now available as options on new 2015 R66 Turbine helicopters. The G500H is a combination Primary Flight Display and Multifunction Display (PFD/MFD) that provides flight instrument, moving map navigation, and situational awareness information on dual screens. Garmin’s Helicopter... Read more
16-Jan-2015
While conducting aerial mustering at about 100 ft above ground level, the helicopter encountered a tailwind resulting in a high rate of descent. The helicopter collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured.... Read more
13-Jan-2015Source: Garmin
Garmin G500H glass panels have been installed in the Guidance Aviation helicopter fleet. Last year, the primary helicopter flight training organization with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, announced their decision to upgrade their aircraft. Now, the organization’s fleet upgrade is in its final phase with all of the IFR fleet installations... Read more
10-Jan-2015
Crashed into water killing the sole occupant pilot... Read more
10-Jan-2015
The pilot was killed and an occupant was seriously injured after a helicopter crashed in the PR-576 highway, in Santa Monica, Paraná. Post crash fire. Helicopter reportedly hit a large bird, and wires during emergency landing... Read more
9-Jan-2015
After taking off and clearing some trees, the helicopter began to lose rotor RPM and the pilot elected to land nearby. During the landing, the helicopter sustained some damage, but the helicopter remained upright and the pilot and passengers were uninjured. Helicopter was being used for a police search for a missing 23-year old who... Read more
6-Jan-2015Source: Florida Today
The operator of helicopter tours from Port Canaveral will be able to continue offering them, under a plan unanimously approved by port commissioners. See Full Story... Read more
6-Jan-2015
Emergency landing in parking lot while on low level traffic patrol over Route 128. No damage, no injuries... Read more
2-Jan-2015
Fatal accident, no further details yet... Read more
29-Dec-2014
Crashed in unknown circumstances just outside boundary fence of Lantana Airport – killing instructor Luis Aviles, and seriously injuring student pilot Johnathan Desouza... Read more
29-Dec-2014
On take off, main rotor blade(s) contacted the wind sock mast. A vibration was felt and the pilot landed immediately at the same site. An inspection of the main rotor revealed damage to one of the blades. CADORS 2014C5006... Read more
29-Dec-2014
Substantially damaged in heavy landing – photo. Sole occupant pilot Charles Deyhle Jr was reportedly uninjured. Reportedly due to gusty conditions when trying to land on a ground handling trolley... Read more
29-Dec-2014
Unknown damage in force landing... Read more
29-Dec-2014
Minor damage after force landing by taxiway... Read more
22-Dec-2014
Struck tail on landing and slid into a snow bank... Read more
22-Dec-2014
Crashed onto highway after reported power failure, extensively damaged. Minor injuries to pilot R44 identification from comparison between this photo of ZS-RMH flying and the large titles on the side on this photo – it is feasible, although unlikely, that there is another R44 in the same colour scheme... Read more
22-Dec-2014
Shortly after take-off, the helicopter contacted the ground again and fell onto its starboard side. Private pilot had rented helicopter from Heli-Zuri for a flight to Ticino. Final confirmation required on reg... Read more
19-Dec-2014Source: Transas
Robinson R44 Flight Training Device (FTD), manufactured by Transas, successfully passed flight tests by both UTair and Russian Aviation Agency test pilots, to obtain the official Approval for use in simulator-based pilot training programs. The FNPT Level II flight training device for Robinson R44 light helicopter will be operated at UTair’s own Pilot Training Center.... Read more
13-Dec-2014
Crashed shortly after take-off. Local press reports indicate that either the pilot was not licenced, or the aircraft did not have a current airworthiness certificate, or both. 2 POB – unnamed pilot and his passenger, named as Giorgio da Silva Souza... Read more
7-Dec-2014
Helicopter was not authorized scenic flights in the state of Parana, crashed shortly after takeoff, injuring the four occupants of the aircraft. The airworthiness certificate had expired over two years earlier... Read more
4-Dec-2014Source: Robinson
Robinson Helicopter Company’s float option for its 5-place R66 was FAA approved on November 15, 2014. Designated the R66 Turbine Marine, the R66 pop-out float option is similar to the R44 Clipper pop-out float option (in fact, the same float tubes are used) and like the Clipper, the R66 Turbine Marine offers an additional level... Read more
2-Dec-2014
Main rotor and mast separated shortly after take-off from Sky Park Airport on post-maintenance test flight to track and balance the blades. Two fatalities named later as Claus Hauer and Bruce Orr... Read more
29-Nov-2014
Helicopter crashed killing all 4 POB – Two pilots from the police force, a civilian pilot and a police officer were killed. On final approach to Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport. Potential wake vortex issue from recently landed airliner? Anti Poaching flight... Read more
27-Nov-2014
Blown onto side in hail storm when parked on grass... Read more
23-Nov-2014
The ATSB has commenced an investigation into a Forced landing and ground fire involving a Robinson R44, VH-YYS, 56 km E of Archer River, Queensland on 23 November 2014 During cruise, the pilot detected abnormal engine indications and received a low rotor RPM warning. He conducted a forced landing into long grass which was then... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Dart
Dart introduces ultra-resistant floor and baggage protectors Manufactured from high quality aerospace-grade, thermoformed polycarbonate, DART Floor& Baggage Protectors for the crew and passenger areas are designed to be impact-, UV-, heat- and cold-resistant, and offer superior resistance to cracking and discoloration. The baggage protector guards panels against damage from stowed cargo. Approved by Transport Canada,FAA,... Read more
21-Nov-2014Source: Carlotte Observer
Iran An Iranian company on Thursday displayed four brand new U.S.-made helicopters it purchased through third parties, offering them as proof that the country could evade international sanctions over its disputed nuclear program. See Full Story... Read more
18-Nov-2014
The ATSB has commenced an investigation into a Collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22, registration VH-HPH, at Lavelle Station, Northern Territory on 18 November 2014. During air work at 1,000 feet, the tail rotor drive system failed. The helicopter commenced an uncommanded spiral and landed heavily. The pilot and passenger were not injured and... Read more
16-Nov-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The first Robinson R66 Turbine has arrived in Italy with Elifriulia, who have enjoyed considerable success over the years selling R22 and R44s in the country. The helicopter is serial #0554 and will be registered I-RSIX Mornington Sanford Aviation are assisting Elifriulia with the introduction of the R66 in Italy and getting this first example... Read more
6-Nov-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Local website SwissHeli.com are reporting that MountainFlyers have recently sold a JetRanger to Germany, and will replace it with an R66. Serial 0553 is due imminently from the factory in Torrance, and is expected to take up the registration HB-ZOK at their base at Belp Airport in Bern. Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com... Read more
4-Nov-2014Source: Oceania Aviation
The Robinson R66 Safety Seminar kicked off at Ardmore, New Zealand today. The seminar, which has been organised by NZCAA in partnership with Robinson Helicopters and Skysales Aviation, has been designed to explore and discuss the R66 and R44 helicopter models, their features and how best pilots can operate the aircraft to avert incident. Today’s... Read more
31-Oct-2014Source: Yourhoustonnews
Two helicopters descended from a cloudless sky to touch down at the newly opened private heliport just past the serene neighborhoods on Hanna Road in the Oak Ridge area Friday. See Full Story... Read more
31-Oct-2014
Traffic monitoring helicopter makes emergency landing in school field. No damage to helicopter... Read more
30-Oct-2014
Two POB to hospital. Information suggests that the skid toes stuck into the ground during a run-on landing, causing the helicopter to cartwheel. No vertical force in the accident as skids have not splayed out. Skid toes missing forward of front skid legs, and nose “turned up” where helicopter cartwheeled onto its nose... Read more
28-Oct-2014Source: Helicentre Aviation
Helicentre Aviation have awarded helicopter pilot training scholarships with a combined value of over £80,000 to five of their student pilots following a two month intensive interview process. A total of 24 scholarship applications were received. James Geary from Kent was awarded the commercial pilot scholarship which will fund all his hour building up to... Read more
28-Oct-2014
Heavy landing on hillside. One of four POB had minor injuries... Read more
24-Oct-2014
Helicopter struck trees and crashed. Helicopter is actively used for game capture, although nothing suggests it was being put to this use at the time of the accident... Read more
23-Oct-2014Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced it is now a distributor of Helitowcart BearPaw products through its Aeronautical AccessoriesTM brand. The BearPaw product line is approved for a variety of helicopter manufacturers and models, including the Robinson R44 and R66, Airbus AS350, Airbus AS355 and Airbus EC130. Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) have been received... Read more
23-Oct-2014
Mid-air collision with Cirrus fixed wing N122ES. Helicopter crashed fatally in an industrial area. Total of three fatal – named later as Christopher David Parsons, 29, of Westminster, an instructor for Advanced Helicopter Concepts. William Jenkins, 47, of Colorado, and Breandan J. MacFawn, 35, of Cumberland, were also killed... Read more
21-Oct-2014Source: HeliHub.com
The helicopter industry is poorly represented this year at the NBAA convention, which opens today in Orlando, Florida. There is no direct representation from AgustaWestland, Airbus Helicopters, MD Helicopters or Sikorsky. Bell and Robinson are there, and both have helicopters on display. Bell has borrowed the black 429 they delivered a few months back to... Read more
17-Oct-2014
Tail rotor struck ground on training flight... Read more
16-Oct-2014Source: Robinson
The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) chose Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 Raven II to replace its fleet of Hughes 500D helicopters that have been in service since 1981. Equipped with Garmin and Aspen glass avionics, and Bendix King’s new military KTR909 UHF transceiver, the white R44s will be used for primary helicopter training at the... Read more
12-Oct-2014
loss of engine power whilst on a flight from Wiedergeltingen to Jungholz and was badly damaged in an emergency landing at Mt. Schönkahler near Zöblen, Tyrol, Austria. The helicopter landed hard with its right skid and was damaged beyond repair. 63-year-old pilot o.k., 1 passenger on board minor injured... Read more
10-Oct-2014Source: Oceania Aviation
SKYSALES an Oceania Aviation Company in association with NZCAA and Robinson Helicopters are hosting a one day product seminar to explore and discuss the R66 and R44 helicopter models. The safety briefing will be hosted by SKYSALES and will be attended by Robinson’s Chief Pilot, Mr Tim Tucker from Long Beach, California. Tim is well... Read more
7-Oct-2014
Cause unknown. Helicopter went missing on flight from Karamea to Nelson and the wreckage was not found for a further four days. The deceased pilot was named as Damian Webster... Read more
26-Sep-2014
Force landing after power loss... Read more
25-Sep-2014
Crashed in open field not far short of landing at Rand Airport. Both people on board killed – pilot named here as Blake Simpson. The helicopter caught fire after impact and was completely destroyed.... Read more
23-Sep-2014
While hovering to assess a potential landing site, the pilot received a LOW ROTOR RPM warning. The pilot then lowered the collective but the helicopter struck a tree and landed hard. Both occupants received minor injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.... Read more
21-Sep-2014
Hard landing and tail strike... Read more
21-Sep-2014
Crashed from a low hover on a training flight. Male pilot and female student uninjured.... Read more
20-Sep-2014
Helicopter crashed into lake during a scenic flight, although Military Police reported that this type of operation was not permitted for this helicopter and/or pilot. Pilot Abitbol Bruno Nogueira de Andrade got out (and reportedly fled the scene) while the two passengers were trapped inside and drowned. Press report stated “According to police, the driver... Read more
18-Sep-2014Source: Nordic Rotors
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report following an accident that occurred in Tyresö, south east of Stockholm, on 26 August 2013. The aircraft, a Swedish Robinson R44 Clipper II with the registration SE-JOE, was engaged in a water-sampling assignment in the Stockholm area. The crew consisted of one pilot... Read more
15-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Rules are Rules. But there’s always a need to test their reasonableness and rulemakers need to show flexibility. When EASA came out with a ruling that would bring to an end the commercial operation of Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, something needed to be done. The British Helicopter Association was instrumental in leading the way... Read more
15-Sep-2014
Crashed on approach after pilot lost control... Read more
11-Sep-2014
The subject helicopter was noted at 5.15am local time on 12-Sep-14 on a trailer at Calais ferry port bound for the UK. Given it is based UK, there must have been some reason that it was not flown back to the UK. Incident date 11-Sep-14 thus approximate... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
China have launched a new import requirement, with helicopter manufacturers needing to provide Electrical Load Analysis (ELA) data. We understand most manufacturers sent representatives to China for a meeting some weeks back, and most or all of the helicopter types produced by these companies continue to be approved. Bell have confirmed to HeliHub that this... Read more
8-Sep-2014Source: HeliHub.com
Already a record holding R66 pilot himself, Michael Farikh has this morning announced on Facebook that a new ultra long distance flight will start next week from Moscow. On Tuesday 16th September, the four Russian private pilots: Evgeny Kabanov, Igor Rudoy, Alexander Kurylev and Alexey Murashov will start their journey from Moscow to New Zealand... Read more
6-Sep-2014
Struck powerline while on low level agricultural work. Pilot died in hospital on 11th September from his injuries – and was named here as Chris Moore... Read more
5-Sep-2014
Helicopter ditched. Three bodies recovered, fourth not found and presume drowned. Owner/pilot was billionaire Michael Henriksen of MH Gruppen, which specialises in container shipping. Another name published was that of Morten Friis, an executive in Norrecco, also part of MH Gruppen. Volvo Trucks Denmark named the other two as their CEO Søren Wettergreen and Sales... Read more
5-Sep-2014
Crashed shortly after take-off into the car park of a football stadium. Post crash fire. The two deceased were named as Lieven Ghekiere and Johan Deceuninck Note – despite being registered in the US, this helicopter has been based in Belgium... Read more
31-Aug-2014
Failed to gain height on climb out and struck powerlines causing helicopter to come down – see amateur footage of take-off A total of six were on board – four adults and two children under 10 – and the helicopter was operating short joyride flights from the Festa do Charque event... Read more
28-Aug-2014
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=169314... Read more
27-Aug-2014
Substantially damaged after striking wires 10 ft above ground on take-off. Boom broken and tail separated. Heavy impact starboard side. Pilot named in press as Doyle Holden and passenger as Karen Cole.... Read more
25-Aug-2014
During the ferry flight, the helicopter collided with terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by fire and the pilot died in the accident.... Read more
25-Aug-2014
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=169234... Read more
