R22 Went Down In Tampa Bay Near Apollo Beach, FL

Robinson Helicopter Company hopes the public will be able to help in the location of some critical evidence connected with an accident which occurred last month in Florida.

On November 30th, 2012, a Robinson R22 helicopter went down into Tampa Bay near Apollo Beach in Florida. Most of the helicopter was recovered with the exception of the two main rotor blades. An extensive search of the properties in Apollo Beach was unsuccessful in locating the missing blades. Investigators are confident the blades are located offshore.

Robinson Helicopter Company will pay $1000.00 to the person(s) that locates and recovers each of the two main rotor blades ($2000.00 maximum). It must be the major structure of the blade. Any small debris (related to the aircraft) recovered and returned would be appreciated. The location of each blade must be recorded, preferably with GPS coordinates.

A larger map of the possible area in which the blades may be located shown here along with blade descriptions and photos can be found online.

Robinson asks that anyone locating or recovering the blades contact the FAA Inspector at the Tampa Flight Standards District Office at (630) 215-7449

Upon submitting the recovered blade(s) to a FAA Inspector from the Tampa Flight Standards Office a receipt will be issued for the blade(s) and contact information for the submitter(s) will be recorded. Once the blade(s) is/are identified as the blade(s) from the accident aircraft a check in the amount of $1000.00 for each blade will be issued to the submitter(s) and mailed to the supplied address. All federal, state and local taxes and fees which may be applicable to this payment are the responsibility of the recipient.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com/bladereward