Accident rates for the U.S. civil helicopter industry lowered even as the temperature rose during the first half of 2016. As spring turned into summer across the country, the total accident rate from January through June was 3.28 per 100,000 flight hours, compared to an accident rate in 2015 of 3.73.
This continues a downward trend in helicopter accidents since 2013 and maintains an improving safety record for the industry.
From 2016 through 2019, the United States Helicopter Safety Team is focusing major attention on reducing fatal accidents within the U.S. civil helicopter community. The industry-government partnership is targeting a reduction by 2019 to 0.61 fatal accidents per 100,000 flight hours.
The fatal accident rate goal for 2016 is 0.73 or lower.
In addition, safety data for July, which is usually the worst month for accidents, is encouraging. During July 2016, there were 13 total accidents and two fatal accidents.
The total was the lowest for the month of July since 2006 and the second lowest for the past 34 years. On average, there are usually 19 U.S. helicopter accidents that occur during the month of July.
How about Robinson R44 helicopters, since January 2015 there have been 76 accidents resulting in 41 deaths.
12 of those accidents occurring as unknown circumstances / in-flight break ups, resulting in 25 fatalities.
60.98% of the deaths in Robinson R44 helicopters in the last 20 months are from in-flight break ups.