Special Investigation Report
Robinson Helicopter Company R22
Loss of Main Rotor Control Accidents

NTSB Number SIR-96/03
NTIS Number PB96-917003
PDF Document (923K)

Abstract: This report examines the loss of main rotor control accidents involving Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopters, When similar accidents occurred involving the Robinson R44 helicopters, the scope of the report expanded to include those accidents. The safety issues discussed in the report include the need for appropriate measures to reduce the probability of loss of main rotor control accidents; the need for continued research to study flight control systems and main rotor blade dynamics in lightweight, low rotor inertia helicopters; the need for operational requirements to be addressed during future certification of lightweight, low rotor inertia helicopters; and the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review and revise, as necessary, its procedures to ensure that internal recommendations, particularly those addressed in special certification reviews, are appropriately resolved and brought to closure. Safety recommendations concerning these issues were made to the FAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.