Accident: Robinson R44
Jul 29, 2018 · Bettles, AK
NTSB numberANC18LA058Event id20180731X84010
- 0
- Fatalities
- 0
- Serious injuries
- 0
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Uninjured
Probable cause
Maintenance personnel's application of insufficient preload on the attachment hardware for the idler gear shaft during engine overhaul, which resulted in the dismounting of the idler gear shaft assembly due to wear and deformation and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a mechanic's failure to identify metallic particles contained in the oil filter element at the most recent 100-hour inspection.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board. Record last changed Oct 28, 2026, 10:54 UTC.
Aircraft involved
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44
- Registration
- N744AK
- Year built
- 2003
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rules
- Public aircraft
- Defining event
- Enroute-cruise Loss of engine power (total)
Source: National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database. Counts only; Voydar holds no names.
Nearest airports
Airports with a Voydar profile closest to the recorded position. Proximity only.
- Bettles Airport (BTT)4 nm (8 km) north-east
This page restates the NTSB's public record. Injury figures are counts; Voydar does not hold or publish the names of anyone involved.