The FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) Number SW-15-08R1 alerting owners and operators of Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II which have main rotor blades (MRBs) with part number C016-7 installed and Robinson Model R66 helicopters which have MRBs with part number F016-2 installed, of a fatigue crack occurrence on an R44. The SAIB recommends inspection for signs of a fatigue crack on the trailing edge of the blade and modification of R44, R44 II and R66 MRBs.

The FAA issued SAIB SW-15-08 on Feb. 23, 2015 that recommended daily pre-flight visual checks of the MRBs on R44 and R44 II helicopters at the trailing edge at the corner where the blade chord begins to increase. This action was prompted after a New Zealand R44 II experienced an in-flight failure of the MRB which caused severe vibration and difficulty in control during an emergency landing. There have be no reports of cracks being found as a result of these inspections.

Since the SAIB was issued, Robinson has issued Service Bulletin SB-89 on the R44 dated Mar. 30, 2015 and R66 Service Bulletin SB-13, dated Mar. 30, 2015 recommending a stress concentration reduction modification of the MRB including a visual inspection for cracks. The abrupt change of shape where the blade chord begins to increase can cause a corner where stress is concentrated. Accomplishing this modification will not change the safe life limit of the blades.