No fatalities

In-Flight Vibration Prompts Successful Landing of Robinson R44 II; Crack Found on Main Rotor Blade

Waikaia, New Zealand

On January 23, 2015, a ROBINSON R44 - II II was involved in an aviation accident near Waikaia, New Zealand. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

On January 23, 2015, a Robinson R44 II experienced severe in-flight vibration. The pilot landed safely; inspection revealed a crack on a main rotor blade. TAIC and NTSB investigate.

Incident Overview

On January 23, 2015, a Robinson R44 II helicopter encountered a severe in-flight vibration during operation. The pilot was able to successfully land the helicopter without further incident. A post-flight inspection subsequently identified a crack on one of the main rotor blades.

Investigation

The incident is being investigated by the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). As the State of Design and State of Manufacture of the helicopter, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is participating as the Accredited Representative to the New Zealand TAIC.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission at:

Transport Accident Investigation Commission Level 16 AXA Centre 80 The Terrace P.O. Box 10323 The Terrace Wellington 6143 New Zealand

Tel.: (64) 4-473-0199 Fax: (64) 4-499-1510 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.taic.org.nz