Helmet saves Otago helicopter pilot’s life
Source: MSN, 16-May-13
A Central Otago pilot has escaped with his life and a lucky lid after his unattended helicopter took off, crashed and the tail rotor grazed his helmet. (See Full Story)
Two R44s committed to fight against rhino poaching
Source: IOL, 15-May-13
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)
Helifilte WA Celeberates Five Years Of Operation
Source: Helifilte, 15-May-13
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 [...]
Mechanic takes blame for Honolulu R22 accident
Source: Khon 2, 13-May-13
New video has been released following Wednesday’s helicopter crash landing in downtown Honolulu. The Kukui Plaza condominium captured the crash landing on surveillance video. (See Full Story)
Tour operator expands in Orange Beach with second heliport
Source: Alabama Media Group, 13-May-13
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)
09-May-13 Robinson R22 Sao Paulo, Brazil
09-May-13
Training accident, helicopter ended up on its starboard side in local park
08-May-13 N5ZK Robinson R22 Honolulu, US-Hawaii
08-May-13
Force landed in street and badly damaged in collision with parked vehicle
Colorado Heli-Ops expands with two more helicopters
Source: Colorado Heli-Ops, 07-May-13
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 [...]
Australia grounds R44s without bladder tanks
Source: Sky News, 07-May-13
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)
02-May-13 N442RN Robinson R44 Pomeroy, US-Washington
02-May-13
Rolled over during aerial spraying operation
02-May-13 ZK-HAM Robinson R22 West Coast, New Zealand
02-May-13
“Helicopter took off on its own and came down on its side”
EASA approves Aspen Avionics in Robinson R44
Source: Aspen Avionics, 30-Apr-13
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 [...]
Appeal made for Montreal R44 axe vandal
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Apr-13
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 [...]
EASA approves 31 more Lycoming engines for UL91 fuel
Source: Lycoming, 24-Apr-13
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 [...]
23-Apr-13 ZS-HLS Robinson R44 Schoemanskloof, South Africa (4F)
23-Apr-13
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.
23-Apr-13 OO-PIV Robinson R44 Geel, Belgium
23-Apr-13
Helicopter rolled over onto its side, causing substantial damage, shortly after cameraman had got out. Off airfield landing at transport depot of BE-Trans
Robinson introduces bladder fuel tanks for R22
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Apr-13
Robinson Helicopter Co have this week advised all of their distributors that new R22 helicopters from serial number 4622 will be fitted with a bladder fuel tank and not an aluminium one as before. The new bladder’s useable capacity is decreased by 3.8 gallons or approximately 25 minutes of flight time – a significant amount. [...]
Canadian R66 certification nears
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-Apr-13
Transport Canada is closing in on the announcement that it has certified the Robinson R66. In a similar way to Russia, Canada has recently accepted the ELOS document issued by the FAA – and that is the last key piece in the jigsaw. ELOS (Equivalent Level Of Safety) is a technical reassurance on the hydraulic [...]
New helicopter license at the age of 76
Source: Nordic Rotors, 15-Apr-13
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 [...]
12-Apr-12 N442FG Robinson R44 II Ocean Shores, US-Washington
12-Apr-13
76 year old pilot and his 51 year old passenger not injured in accident, which left helicopter on its side
New Zealand proposes AD to force R44 bladder tank issue
Source: NZ CAA, 11-Apr-13
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 [...]
11-Apr-13 G-EROM Robinson R22B Redhill, UK
11-Apr-13
Substantially damaged – solo student training flight
Frank Robinson to receive 2013 Guggenheim Medal
Source: AIAA, 10-Apr-13
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. [...]
Tourist sues South African R44 pilot after crash
Source: IOL NEWS, 10-Apr-13
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).
10-Apr-13 ZK-HTQ Robinson R22 Tarras, New Zealand
10-Apr-13
Helicopter was left unattended with the engine running. The helicopter became airborne, spun around, and struck the ground.
09-Apr-13 ZK-HLY Robinson R44 Christchurch, New Zealand
09-Apr-13
Moved on its pad while the pilot was conducting checks after engine start, with the tail rotor striking and rupturing a container of AVGAS.
Tour operator vows to fly helicopters quietly
Source: Florida Today, 08-Apr-13
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)
Australia may ground R44s without bladder tank upgrade
Source: ATSB, 05-Apr-13
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 [...]
Bravo Helicopters owner dies in R44 accident
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Apr-13
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 [...]
03-Apr-13 N3101H Robinson R44 Tamiami, US-Florida (2F)
03-Apr-13
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
03-Apr-13 Robinson R44 Nylstroom, South Africa (1F)
03-Apr-13
Unknown circumstances. Wreck found next morning after failing to arrive at intended destination
30-Mar-13 N770CQ Robinson R44 Halledale, US-Florida
30-Mar-13
Precautionary landing – no further details known
28-Mar-13 HI-865 Robinson R44 Cotui, Dominican Republic
28-Mar-13
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.
First R66 delivered in Bangladesh
Source: Mornington Sanford Aviation, 27-Mar-13
Richard Mornington-Sanford of Mornington Sanford Aviation assist South Asian Airlines of Dhaka, Bangladesh to certify the first Robinson R66 Turbine in Country. The Robinson R66 Turbine, registration S2-AFC, serial number 0237, was shipped from RHC via sea freight to Chittagong where the helicopter was re-assembled and test flown. S2-AFC was then delivered to South Asian [...]
26-Mar-13 C-FUIR Robinson R44 Grande Cache, Canada
26-Mar-13
Powerline patrol helicopter had accident involving trees. Pilot uninjured. CADAORS ref 2013C1124
R44 in fatal NSW crash had not had bladder tank upgrade
Source: The Australian, 25-Mar-13
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).
ATSB report says R22 tail contacted rock in fatal Kimberley crash
Source: HeliHub.com, 22-Mar-13
The Australian investigation authority ATSB has issued their final report on the fatal R22 accident on 3rd October last year which occurred 130 km west of Halls Creek in Western Australia. The summary is a blunt reminder of issues with confined areas, light levels etc What happened On 3 October 2012 the pilots of two [...]
ATP releases five new Robinson libraries
Source: ATP, 22-Mar-13
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 [...]
Russia orders 47 Robinson R66s
Source: Robinson, 21-Mar-13
HeliHub.com broke the story of Russian R66 certification ahead of the official press release from Robinson. Now the latter is issued – see below – there are big order numbers being quoted and evidently Robinson have been happily taking orders and deposits ready for just this time. Quite a contrasting situation in Europe, though. Robinson [...]
21-Mar-13 VH-HWQ Robinson R44 Bulli Tops, Australia (4F)
21-Mar-13
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
Bellingham Aviation Services Announces Its Expansion
Source: Bellingham Aviation Services, 19-Mar-13
Bellingham Aviation Services (BAS), a leading FBO in the Pacific Northwest, announces the expansion of its aviation service offering with the addition of rotorcraft commercial photo and filming flights. “As our staff and training fleet have grown with increased demand, we feel it is an ideal time to further enhance our services and develop the [...]
Russia certifies the Robinson R66
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Mar-13
Robinson distributor Aerosoyuz has announced that the Interstate Aviation Committee – Russia’s type certification authority – has approved the Robinson R66. The company says that the issue of type certificate ST337-R66 has been delayed by at least a year due to the hydraulic issues that has delayed approval by key authorities including Transport Canada and [...]
Helicopter prison escape in Canada succeeds
Source: The Daily Observer, 18-Mar-13
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.
Maintenance cloth caused R44 accident in Sweden
Source: Nordic Rotors, 18-Mar-13
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 [...]
Sevier County Sheriff gets airborne with R44
Source: Seymour Herald, 15-Mar-13
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)
Is EASA R66 debacle really Robinson’s fault?
Source: HeliHub.com, 14-Mar-13
Robinson continues to work with the relevant authorities to get the turbine engined R66 certified in Russia, Canada and Europe – and a recent press release from Sloane Helicopters confirms that some progress is being made – indeed there is every indication that now the FAA has granted Robinson the ELOS (Equivalent Level of Safety) paperwork, certification [...]
14-Mar-13 N392GP Robinson R44 Eagle Nest, US-New Mexico
14-Mar-13
Aircraft landed on its skids but tail boom severed (by main blades?) see photo.
UK allows uncertified R66 to fly commercially
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Mar-13
Here in the UK we have had some recent high-profile general media stories about huge international organisations avoiding tax. Household names including Amazon, Google and Starbucks were splashed across the headlines - each of them using various legal tactics to minimise their UK tax payment. While these activities may be ethically dubious, they are all perfectly [...]
09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F)
09-Mar-13
Crashed on a ridge above the Oamaru Valley, east of Turangi, after dropping off a hunting party. The body of pilot Mark Didsbury was found 50m away from the helicopter
Sloane Helicopters encouraged with R66 development
Source: Sloane Helicopters, 07-Mar-13
Sloane Helicopters, the UK and Ireland Robinson Dealer since the mid 1970′s has, along with many other potential European buyers, been frustrated at the delays to EASA certification of the R66. During the original FAA certification of the R66, the FAA granted Robinson an exemption from the redundant control valve regulation. Several non US countries [...]
Aerobraze congratulates Robinson on R66 success
Source: Wall Colmonoy, 04-Mar-13
Aerobraze Engineered Technologies, a division of Wall Colmonoy, congratulates Robinson Helicopter on their introduction and success with the R66 Turbine Helicopters. Global demand for the R66 is a confirmation of the exceptional engineering for the powerful helicopter. AET Oklahoma City engineers were pleased to be asked to collaborate with Robinson in their design and manufacture of the [...]
02-Mar-13 N834RC Robinson R44 Ciales, Puerto Rico
02-Mar-13
Struck powerlines and crashed, reportedly after engine failure. Helicopter destroyed
Helidecks releases cockpit guide/checklist iPad apps for AW109 and R44
Source: Helidecks Software Solutions, 28-Feb-13
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 [...]
Helitowcart launches dual wheels for R66 and R44
Source: Helitowcart, 27-Feb-13
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 [...]
24-Feb-13 ZK-HAD Robinson R44 Lake Rotorua, New Zealand
24-Feb-13
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
Obituary – Helicopter leasing specialist Matthew L. Spitzer
Source: HAI, 20-Feb-13
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 [...]
Rotorcorp solves crankshaft replacement problem for R44 owners
Source: Rotorcorp, 18-Feb-13
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 [...]
ASA releases new flashcards for R22 and TH-67
Source: ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics), 15-Feb-13
Check out our new Helicopter Flashcards for the Robinson R22 and TH-67 training helicopters. Civilian and military students, instructors, and pilots of all levels will find these flashcards serve to greatly facilitate memorization and understanding of the systems and functions of each aircraft. The R22 Helicopter Flashcards Study Guide contains nearly 400 flashcards covering the [...]
PHPA, HAI, FAAST and Robinson join for Safety Workshop
Source: PHPA, 11-Feb-13
Topic: Jam Packed Helicopter SAFETY Workshop with National & Local Safety Items Addressed. (Held at Robinson Helo Facility) On Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM Location: Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Dr., Torrance, CA 90505 Select Number: WP0548604 Description: HAI (Helicopter Association International), So Cal PHPA (Professional Helicopter Pilots Association), and FAAST (FAA Safety Team) invite you to a day [...]
09-Feb-13 I-LALM Robinson R22 Pontecagnano, Italy
09-Feb-13
Private pilot injured in accident on take-off. Local language TV report at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDXhMP-fBrU
NTSB sending investigators to assist with R44 accident in Paraguay
Source: NTSB, 05-Feb-13
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 [...]
Wild hogs beat two helicopters in a week
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Feb-13
Low-level helicopter flying, engaged in doors-off ammunition-ready feral hog hunting has been a major factor in two helicopter accidents in the last seven days. Estimates vary between two and four million hogs across the US. These wild animals are responsible for significant damage to pastures, leading to losses on behalf of the land owners. This [...]
Paraguayan presidential candidate killed in R44 crash
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Feb-13
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 [...]
Court orders refund of Topeka Police R44 down payment
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal, 03-Feb-13
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)
02-Feb-13 ZP-HAH Robinson R44 Puerto Antequera, Paraguay (3F)
02-Feb-13
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 [...]
01-Feb-13 N3059Q Robinson R22 Gillett, US-Texas
01-Feb-13
Helicopter crashed while hunting feral hogs at low level, ending up on its port side. Two persons were injured in the crash which happened about 2:45pm local
Gemini Helicopters issues statement on fatal R44 crash
30-Jan-13
“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
28-Jan-13 C-GOCM Robinson R44 Grand Cache, Canada (1F)
28-Jan-13
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
Australian fatal R44 accident caused by pilot incapacitation
Source: ATSB, 27-Jan-13
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 [...]
25-Jan-13 ZS-RYP Robinson R44 Grey Goose, South Africa
25-Jan-13
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
22-Jan-13 ZK-IMZ Robinson R22B Nokomai Station, New Zealand
22-Jan-13
Helicopter was flying up a valley and suddenly lost altitude due to a suspected downdraft. the helicopter hit the ground and rolled 6 times, breaking off the tail
21-Jan-13 ZK-HIY Robinson R22B Karamea, New Zealand
21-Jan-13
Helicopter experienced unusual vibrations while flying at 4500ft. Pilot decided to make a precautionary landing but the tail struck the ground during landing and helicopter rolled over.
19-Jan-13 VH-HGI Robinson R22 Batchelor, Australia
19-Jan-13
During the final approach, the pilot conducted a missed approach. The pilot subsequently lost control and the helicopter collided with the ground.
