Are Robinson R44 safe?
Robinson Helicopter Crashes – Facts The R44 has a faulty fuel tank that can explode on impact — turning minor and survivable accidents into deadly infernos. Robinson R44s were involved in 42 fatal crashes in the U. S. Times analysis of National Transportation Safety Board accident reports.One issue that does seem to be more common in R44s is post-crash fires. A number of serious but survivable crashes have become fatal accidents because the helicopter caught fire and killed the occupants. The problem stems from a decision by Robinson in the 2000s to use “wet tanks” instead of fuel bladders.NTSB Data – Robinson Helicopter Crashes Robinson R22 crashes – 1,045 total incidents; 192 fatal. Robinson R44 crashes – 662 total incidents; 218 fatal. Robinson R66 crashes – 55 total incidents; 26 fatal.