How many R44 helicopters have crashed?
There have been a total of 378 recorded incidences with the Robinson R-44, according to the Aviation Safety Network. An accident investigation by Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that a significantly higher proportion of R44 aircraft (12%) caught fire after crashing. According to government data*, Robinson R22, R44, and R66 models have been involved in approximately 1,762 aviation accidents or incidents globally. Of these, 436 were fatal crashes. Robinson R22 crashes – 1,045 total incidents; 192 fatal. Robinson R44 crashes – 662 total incidents; 218 fatal.Scores of R44 pilots and passengers have been killed in preventable post-crash fires, or in helicopters that dropped from the sky when they suddenly lost lift. Others have died when main rotor blades peeled apart in flight or sliced through tail booms or cockpits.
What are the drawbacks of owning an R44?
The drawback is that there’s a lot of components to track and the helicopter could be down for maintenance quite frequently if it’s flown a lot. On a Robinson helicopter, the engine, rotor blades, transmission, and other major components are all built to last 12 years or 2200 hours. Robinson Helicopter Company has received FAA approval to extend the main and tail rotor blade service life from 12 to 15 years, making these aircraft even more affordable to operate and maintain.