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ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 accident at Tukwila, WA, 30 Jun 2025
On June 30, 2025, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 operated by SEATTLE AIR TAXI LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Tukwila, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a takeoff to a hover in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a takeoff to a hover in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent hard landing.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Jun 2025 ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 accident near Tukwila, WA?
The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a takeoff to a hover in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent hard landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jun 2025 ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jun 2025 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER CO R66, operated by SEATTLE AIR TAXI LLC, at Tukwila, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a takeoff to a hover in a gusting crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent hard landing.
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