Robinson R44 II Raven Crash in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
What Happened
A Robinson R44 II Raven crashed near Red Rock Canyon in Nevada’s Mojave Desert on October 23, 2019. The pilot and passenger survived the crash but later died from injuries sustained in the helicopter accident.
The Robinson helicopter departed North Las Vegas Airport and was to return there after a one-hour leisure flight. The R44 Raven II, registration number N225JM, was manufactured in 2005 and owned by Binner Enterprises LLC. Airwork Las Vegas was operating the helicopter. Matthew Binner, who is the president and owner of both Binner Enterprises and Airwork, is a licensed pilot and certified flight instructor.
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Kreindler Partners and Former Military Pilots (L-R):
Justin Green (USMC)
Brian Alexander (U.S. Army)
Dan Rose (U.S. Navy)
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Our staff of attorneys includes five pilots and one former aviation maintenance specialist (who is also a graduate of the NTSB accident investigation course). In each case, we assemble a team of litigators, investigators, outside experts, and staff to meticulously examine and prepare all aspects of our claim’s liability and damages to determine the cause of the accident, identify responsible entities, present the strongest case and obtain the highest possible compensatory award for the plaintiffs we represent.
Preliminary Investigation and Potential Causes
The pilot, who had rented helicopters from Binner and Airwork multiple times before the fatal accident, was fully qualified with extensive experience. On the day of the flight, visual meteorological conditions prevailed. According to reports, the Robinson R44 underwent maintenance for sediment in the fuel tanks earlier in the day. After take-off, the helicopter flew for almost 20 minutes before an engine problem and autorotation occurred, as noted in the NTSB report, at approximately 600 to 700 feet (AGL) and 100 to 120 knots before the crash. Wreckage of the helicopter was found parallel to the roadway.
Possible contributing factors to the accident include a problem with the Robinson's rotor tachometer magnet coming loose in flight, loss of engine power to rotors, or low RPMs due to lack of fuel flow in the fuel system. Other causes could be inadequate instructions and warnings regarding inspection or troubleshooting and correction of contaminated fuel or fuel system.
Kreindler Robinson Helicopter Experience
Robinson Helicopters is headquartered in California and we have prosecuted numerous cases against the company in California State and Federal Courts. Our lawyers have litigated in nearly every state in the country.
Kreindler is one of the largest and most distinguished aviation accident law firms in the world. The firm has represented victims of helicopter crashes in courts throughout the United States and has previously represented many plaintiffs against Robinson and Lycoming, including:
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Kreindler has written the book on aviation accident law. Our partners have authored numerous highly acclaimed books, articles and treatises, including the leading treatise in the aviation litigation field, Aviation Accident Law.
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Kreindler is one of the largest and most distinguished aviation accident law firms in the world. Since 1950, our attorneys have served as lead counsel in nearly every major commercial aviation disaster litigation. Our staff of attorneys includes four commercially licensed helicopter pilots and one former helicopter maintenance specialist (who is also a graduate of the NTSB Accident Investigation Course). The firm has successfully handled countless private, charter, military, general aviation, and helicopter accident cases. Our partners have authored numerous highly acclaimed books, articles, and treatises on aviation litigation.