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 [...]
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)
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 [...]
Los Angeles Helicopters Expands Pilot Training to Rwanda Air
Source: Los Angeles Helicopters, 07-May-13
Los Angeles Helicopters, LLC (LAH), a leading helicopter flight training operator, is pleased to announce that after completing FAA commercial license and Instrument rating training for 6 pilots from Rwanda in 2012, LAH was invited to travel to Rwanda and provide additional Mountain training as well as Emergency Procedures training and a refresher course for [...]
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
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
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 [...]
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).
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.
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).
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 [...]
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
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)
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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
Jerry Trimble Helicopters opens in Texas
Source: Smithville Times, 18-Jan-13
From the company being founded in Oregon in 2007, and expanding into California, Jerry Trimble Helicopters has now opened at Smithville Crawford Municipal Airport in Texas (see full story)
Bolvian Police order two Robinson R44s
Source: HeliHub.com, 16-Jan-13
Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero is reported in local press as announcing that the the national law enforcement agency “Policía Boliviana” will receive two Robinson R44s later this month. Due to the altitudes involved in Bolivia, the pair will not be able to fly around the capital La Paz, which lies between 10,650 and 13,250 [...]
Robinson 2012 production 45% up on 2011
Source: Robinson, 14-Jan-13
Robinson Helicopter’s production for 2012 was 517 helicopters – 191 R66s, 286 R44s and 40 R22s, a 45% increase over 2011’s production of 356. As in previous years, the majority of those sales (70%) went to foreign customers. Based on the backlog of new orders, Robinson anticipates 2013’s production numbers to surpass 2012’s. The current [...]
11-Jan-13 ZK-IPY Robinson R44 II Glenorchy, New Zealand
11-Jan-13
Main rotor blade struck the tail boom during start-up due to a wind gust. Significant damage was caused to the tail boom, with associated damage to the rotor blades.
10-Jan-13 D-HIZZ Robinson R44 Schwäbisch Hall, Germany (1F)
10-Jan-13
Helicopter crashed on to highway, killing pilot. Post crash fire. Truck driver injured in the ensuing chaos. No other injuries, despite heavy traffic at the time. Weather reported as wet. Helicopter _may_ have hit wires, causing crash. Pilot reported as “ 42 year old small business owner from Hohenlohe”
Search ends for R44 in Arizona lake
Source: Payson Roundup, 03-Jan-13
Gila County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scoured the bottom of the lake for more than a week, but found no sign of the helicopter, which splashed into the lake during a sightseeing flight out of Mesa (see full story). File photo see also the following from HeliHub.com safety data pages – 07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44 [...]
03-Jan-13 VH-RYO Robinson R44 Morrabbin, Australia
03-Jan-13
During lift off, the helicopter’s tail struck the ground and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
New B206/R44 charter operator at Hawthorne, California
17-Dec-12
Star Helicopters, one of the leading helicopter tour operators in Los Angeles, is proud to begin operating charter and air taxi helicopter rides with an FAA Part 135 certification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft operators carrying passengers for hire in point-to-point helicopter rides or charters and commuter flights must carry this [...]
Lawyer reminds R44 owners of bladder tank retrofit rebate cut-off date
Source: Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, 17-Dec-12
Robinson helicopter crash lawyers, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, can report that Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 fuel tank rebate offer is about to expire. After many low impact post-crash fires, the company announced that it was offering a $1,000 incentive to R44 owners who purchase and install their bladder fuel tank kit by December 31, [...]
Sloane Helicopters commits to Northern Ireland with Robinson overhauls
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Dec-12
Britain’s Sloane Helicopters opened its base in Northern Ireland at Enniskillen Airport back in 2007 before the recession hit – and it’s no secret that helicopter operations in Northern Ireland have been hit nearly as badly as those in the country of Ireland to the south. Undaunted by this, Sloane are showing a continued commitment [...]
Kurt Robinson named to IHST Executive Committee
Source: IHST, 11-Dec-12
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), a worldwide organization leading a multi-year effort to enhance safety and reduce the civil helicopter accident rate, has added Robinson Helicopter Company President Kurt Robinson to its Executive Committee. Kurt Robinson heads the Robinson Helicopter Company, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. The company of nearly [...]
09-Dec-12 VH-WOH Robinson R44 Mudgee, Australia (1F)
09-Dec-12
Crashed during crop spraying operations. Sole occupant pilot killed.
09-Dec-12 Robinson R44 Ploski, Russia
09-Dec-12
R44 with 3 POB missing. Did not arrive at intended destination in the Dmitrov District after taking off on 40 mile flight
07-Dec-12 N557AC Robinson R44 Roosevelt Lake, US-Arizona
07-Dec-12
The aircraft was on a two-hour sightseeing tour when it went down in 60 feet of water only 25 minutes after taking off from Scottsdale Airpark. The pilot is identified as 62-year-old Fred Cleeves, owner of Skyblue Helicopters. The passengers were George Riedel, 64, and Julie Barba, 49.
UTair Engineering starts its first R44 overhaul
Source: UTair, 05-Dec-12
The first Robinson R44 helicopter has been delivered to the UTair-Engineering MRO facility in Tyumen for capital repairs. The compete inspection and refitting is expected to take 3 months. In 2012 UTair-Engineering passed the Robinson Helicopter and Russian Aviation Authority MRO performance audits in 2012, qualifying for capital repair operations on R44 helicopters, making UTair-Engineering [...]
05-Dec-12 C-FRSO Robinson R44 Slave Lake, Canada (1F)
05-Dec-12
Emergency beacon activated, helicopter in forested area – sole occupant pilot Glen Freeland died in the accident. Three rescuers had to be dropped by helicopter to cut out a landing pad. CADAORS 2012C5203
Hong Kong approves Dart’s R44 emergency floats
Source: DART helicopter Services, 04-Dec-12
DART helicopter Services is pleased to announce Hong Kong Approval of their R44 Emergency Float Kits. FAA, EASA and Transport Canada approvals have already been granted. The Apical Emergency Float System provides a lightweight and easy to install solution for R44 Raven operators who need to fly over water, and are requesting the added increased [...]
Eccentric R44 owner has helicopter siezed
Source: Phoenix New Times, 29-Nov-12
The problem began on October 12, 2011, when a report about a suspicious pilot came into the Flagstaff office of the US Dept of Homeland Security Investigations. (see full story)
Cobham donates $72K radio for Yavapai County Sheriff R44
25-Nov-12
Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher has accepted a donated RT-5000 radio from Cobham Aerospace Communications. The $72,000 radio was custom-built for YCSO, and can be upgraded as technology changes. (see full story)
25-Nov-12 N4204A Robinson R44 Corona, US-California (1F)
25-Nov-12
Helicopter exploded after striking fuel bay canopy. Sole occupant pilot was killed. Occurred at 11.08pm local time. The casualty was later named as owner James Belcher
Redlands and Fontana Police departments share aerial coverage
Source: San Bernardino Sun, 31-Oct-12
Two forces – one with a Robinson R44 (and expanding to R66) and one with a Cessna fixed-wing – to merge aviation operations (see full story)
26-Oct-12 N7530F Robinson R44 Chelatchie, US-Washington
26-Oct-12
Substantially damaged during tree harvesting operation
25-Oct-12 PR-MPL Robinson R44 Sento Sé, Brazil
25-Oct-12
Pilot named as Múcio Pereira Júnior, 31. Passengers were Rafael Cavalcanti and Alan Magalhães Souza, both 29. Level of damage not apparent from reports, which confirm it crashed in a forested area
DeSoto Parish Sheriff acquires R44 from DeSoto County Sheriff
22-Oct-12
The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office has a new weapon to help fight crime. The Sheriff recently bought a Robinson R44 Helicopter from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi. (see full story)
Cool City Avionics announces Authorized Dealers
Source: Cool City Avionics, 19-Oct-12
Cool City Avionics, a manufacturer of low cost, professional-grade automatic flight guidance control systems and helicopter stability augmentation systems, is pleased to announce that it has appointed thirteen new authorized dealers in the United States, three in Canada and one each in Denmark, Germany and Guatemala. Additional dealers will be appointed in the coming months. [...]
