N896SM - 2000 Robinson Helicopter R44 Aircraft Registration

N896SM is a 2000 Robinson Helicopter R44, a single-engine reciprocating (piston) aircraft registered to Seaton Flying Services in Killeen, TX. This aircraft holds a multiple airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration on November 9, 2021. The registration certificate was issued on July 30, 2021. The registration is set to expire on July 31, 2028. Powered by a Lycoming 0-540F1 SERIE engine producing 260 horsepower, N896SM is. The aircraft's Mode S transponder code is AC5D3A (hex), used for ADS-B identification and flight tracking. N896SM was last tracked by AviatorDB near Skylark Field (KILE) on March 12, 2026. The FAA registry record for N896SM was last updated on May 26, 2023. AviatorDB monitors aircraft positions through ADS-B surveillance data and updates records as new position data is received.

The Robinson R-44 Raven revolutionized general aviation as the world's best-selling helicopter since 1999, making four-seat rotorcraft accessible to civilian operators at previously unattainable prices. First flown on March 31, 1990, it featured a single six-cylinder Lycoming piston engine powering a four-seat enclosed cabin with hydraulically-assisted flight controls. With a maximum speed of 135 mph and range of 350 nautical miles, the R-44 delivered turbine-like performance at piston operating costs. Robinson Helicopter Company of Torrance, California has produced over 6,800 units since 1993, establishing the aircraft as one of the most successful general aviation designs of the 21st century. AviatorDB tracks 1,247 Robinson Helicopter aircraft currently registered in the FAA database. The ICAO type designator for this aircraft model is R44.

AviatorDB has found no NTSB accident or incident reports involving N896SM. AviatorDB cross-references all FAA registration data with NTSB accident and incident reports, providing a comprehensive safety overview for every registered aircraft in the United States.