Robinson R44 Helicopter Fatal "Low-Impact Post-Crash" Fires Spur Fuel Tank Retrofit Bulletins

 

Since Robinson issued the original SB-78 bulletin on December 20, 2010 calling for a fuel tank retrofit costing $6800 on its R44 helicopter, there have been at least four low-impact R44 helicopter crashes with ensuing fires due to post crash fuel tank leaks. Three of those crashes were fatal.

 

Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman is aware of at least 30 low-impact R44 crashes resulting in post-crash fires since 1993. Fifty-nine people have died and more than a dozen people were injured in these accidents. The law firm's Robinson helicopter crash attorneys created a chart showing R44 Low-Impact Crashes Resulting in Post-Crash Fire.



Ronald Goldman

Attorney Ronald L. M. Goldman, an aviation lawyer who has handled many Robinson helicopter crashes, strongly encourages all R44 owners get their R44 fuel tanks retrofitted as soon as possible. He stated, "The risk of flying a Robinson helicopter with these potentially defective fuel tanks is simply too great."