BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. —
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a helicopter crash in Boynton Beach, with experts examining potential mechanical issues in the Robinson R44 model involved.
Robert Katz, a professional pilot and flight instructor with more than 40 years of experience, pointed to the track log of the flight, which provides constant updates of the helicopter's location, speed and altitude.
The last two reports before the crash showed the aircraft dropping at 375 feet per minute and then 750 feet per minute.
"That to me is a helicopter falling out of the sky," Katz said. "That does not suggest a normal, controlled descent, more like an engine failure."
While the cause of the crash remains unknown, this brand of helicopter has had issues in the past.
Tim Loranger, an aviation attorney with the Wisner Baum law firm, said, "It has developed a reputation over the years of having problems."
The FAA has identified the helicopter as a Robinson R44.
Wisner Baum said over the years, the National Transportation Safety Board has reported 218 fatal crashes involving Robinson R44s.
oranger has been involved in about 10 legal cases against the company that makes the Robinson R44, alleging that mechanical issues and design flaws have caused crashes.
"What we would like is for Robinson to take a very deep dive and look at the aircraft that they sell," Loranger said. "And make sure they are addressing problems that seem to be recurring over the years."
Efforts to reach the Robinson Helicopter Company for comment on this crash or their history have not yet been successful.
