On November 1, 2024, a Robinson R44 helicopter crash claimed the lives of three family members, including a two-year-old child. The fatal crash, which occurred in the small town of Iowa, Louisiana at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time, may renew scrutiny of Robinson Helicopter Company's safety record. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the Robinson helicopter crash.
Jared and Tanya Savant, Along With Young Child, Killed in Louisiana Crash
The helicopter went down in the 5000 block of Hecker Road in Iowa, Louisiana, 60 miles west of Lafayette. The Robinson R44 II helicopter, owned by Savant Aviation LLC, crashed for unknown reasons and caught fire. Authorities identified the deceased victims:
- Jared B. Savant, 50 (pilot)
- Tanya Savant, 35, his wife
- Their two-year-old child
The Savants were from Kinder, a small town roughly 20 miles away from the crash site. Mr. Savant owned Savant Auto in the family’s hometown.
Sheriff Stitch Guillory described the scene as "very tragic" and praised the immediate response from local community members who assisted until first responders arrived. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, Ward 8 District 2 Fire Department, and Louisiana State Police coordinated their efforts at the crash site, with Detective Julius Frazier leading the preliminary investigation.
Are Robinson Helicopters Safe?
This latest R44 crash adds to a concerning pattern of Robinson helicopter accidents. The Robinson R22 and R44 models crash more than any other model helicopter, according to recent government data.
Robinson helicopters have been involved in over 1,760 aviation accidents or incidents worldwide since the company began delivering aircraft in 1979. More than 435 of these incidents resulted in fatalities.
At Wisner Baum, we have handled numerous cases against Robinson Helicopter Co. stemming from the following safety issues:
Mast Bumping: One of the most serious hazards associated with Robinson helicopters is mast bumping, a potentially fatal occurrence unique to helicopters with semi-rigid rotor systems. Mast bumping can cause the helicopter to break up in flight, often during low-G conditions or turbulence. When mast bumping happens, it is typically fatal, resulting from the rotor head striking the rotor mast resulting in the main rotor striking the tailboom or other part of the helicopter.
Fuel Tanks: The fuel tank design in several Robinson models, particularly the R22 and R44, historically presented another significant safety concern. These fuel tanks were prone to rupture during crashes, leading to post-crash fires that often proved fatal even in otherwise survivable accidents. This vulnerability has been essentially resolved with the addition of a rubber fuel bladder and it is assumed that all operating U.S. Robinson helicopters are not protected.
Rotor Blade Failure: Some of our cases have alleged rotor blade failures, where the helicopter blades peel apart during flight, potentially slicing through the cockpit or tail boom. In some cases, they completely separate from the mast, raising serious questions about structural integrity and maintenance requirements.
Engine and Rotor Performance: Lawsuits have alleged the design characteristics of Robinson helicopters create issues with engine and rotor performance. Due to their low mass rotor blades , these aircraft can lose rotor RPM quickly during engine failures, requiring pilots to respond with exceptional speed. This limited time window for successful autorotation creates heightened risk during critical flight phases.
Even the most seasoned of pilots may not be able to overcome these issues.
Helicopter Crash Lawyers With Proven Results Against Robinson
Wisner Baum has been at the forefront of litigation involving Robinson helicopters, having investigated and handled numerous cases involving various Robinson models.
Recent cases handled by the firm include:
- 2023 lawsuit stemming from a New Zealand crash where a Robinson R44 lost engine power, seriously injuring all occupants.
- 2020 R66 crash near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where an experienced pilot allegedly experienced catastrophic in-flight breakup during normal operations.
- 2018 Newport Beach crash where an R44 struck a house, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Our aviation attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay unless we win your case. This allows you to learn more about your options without any financial commitment.
To speak with a lawyer, call us today at (855) 948-5098 or fill out our contact form.
