Accidents involving Robinson R44 helicopters without bladder-type tanks fitted result in a significantly higher proportion of post-impact fires than for other similar helicopter types. In addition, the existing United States regulatory arrangements are not sufficient to ensure all R44 operators and owners comply with the manufacturer's Service Bulletin SB-78B and fit these tanks to improve resistance to post-impact fuel leaks.
The ATSB notes and disagrees with the view of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that accidents involving R44 helicopters without bladder‑type tanks do not result in a significantly higher proportion of post-impact fires than for other similar helicopter types. However, given the view of the FAA and the elapsed time since the safety recommendation was issued without advice of any safety action, the ATSB has closed the safety issue as not addressed.
The ATSB recommends that the United States Federal Aviation Administration take action to ensure that owners and operators of Robinson R44 helicopters comply with the manufacturer’s service bulletin SB-78B to replace all-aluminium fuel tanks with bladder-type tanks on Robinson R44 helicopters.
No response to this safety recommendation was received from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
