Bell 206 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 1329 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

1329

All Events

546

Incidents

242

Minor

192

Serious

317

Fatal (670 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jun 22, 2004 Graysville, AL N3902W Incident destroyed
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A …

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A factor was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to hover with a tailwind.

Jun 14, 2004 Alice Springs, AS VH-PHF Incident minor Investigation pending
Jun 09, 2004 Prosser, WA N213SD Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering.
May 23, 2004 Auburn, WA N206AF Incident substantial Loss of control for undetermined reasons.
May 20, 2004 Palmdale, CA N2019F Minor substantial The momentary loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
May 11, 2004 SMI-28, USA N83MT Fatal (1) Incapacitation of the pilot due to a heart attack.
May 01, 2004 Deadhorse, AK N130AL Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his spatial disorientation and loss of control during a subseque…

The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his spatial disorientation and loss of control during a subsequent landing. Factors associated with the accident are flat light and whiteout conditions, fog, and snow-covered terrain.

Apr 21, 2004 Boonville, IN N137AE Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's inadequate planning/decision which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequat…

The pilot's inadequate planning/decision which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, his diverted attention, and the dark night conditions.

Apr 05, 2004 Newgrange, EI G-AYMW Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Mar 06, 2004 W. Cameron 149, USA N81SP Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the emergency floats not being deployed.
Feb 21, 2004 Locust Grove, GA N35Q Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter while lifting off a dolly to a hover. This resulted in the tail rotor blades and…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter while lifting off a dolly to a hover. This resulted in the tail rotor blades and main rotor blades colliding with the ground and subsequent roll over.

Feb 18, 2004 Decatur, TX N16MV Minor destroyed
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during liftoff after encountering dynamic rollover. A contributing factor was the rough and…

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during liftoff after encountering dynamic rollover. A contributing factor was the rough and uneven terrain.

Jan 28, 2004 Patterson, LA N207RT Incident substantial
The in-flight separation of the helicopter's left winglet due to pre-existing cracks resulting in the winglet striking the tail rotor in-flight, and s…

The in-flight separation of the helicopter's left winglet due to pre-existing cracks resulting in the winglet striking the tail rotor in-flight, and subsequent loss of directional control.

Jan 26, 2004 Turner, OR N92CA Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect contaminated fuel. A collapsed fuel screen was a contributing factor.
Dec 20, 2003 Henryetta, OK N62HF Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate visual look out and failure to maintain clearance from guy wire while maneuvering for landing.
Nov 29, 2003 Paris, AR N103AE Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to remove the main rotor tiedown prior to engine startup. Contributing factors were the pressure induced by conditions/events, im…

The pilot's failure to remove the main rotor tiedown prior to engine startup. Contributing factors were the pressure induced by conditions/events, improper preflight of the aircraft, and dark night conditions,

Nov 26, 2003 Cranston, RI N90013 Minor substantial The pilot's inadvertent encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A factor was the wind change.
Nov 25, 2003 VENICE, LA N125TA Incident minor
The failure of the forward boost pump while in cruise flight while operating with less than 10 gallons of fuel onboard, which resulted in a loss of en…

The failure of the forward boost pump while in cruise flight while operating with less than 10 gallons of fuel onboard, which resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor was the inoperative forward fuel boost pump caution light switch.

Nov 13, 2003 Urucu, BR PT-YEE Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 03, 2003 Coleman, WI N3198C Minor destroyed The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain encountered for the forced landing. The garage building was a factor.
Oct 29, 2003 Mexico City, MX XA-AFX Serious (3) substantial Investigation pending
Oct 14, 2003 Swisshome, OR N86W Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering. The power line, mountainous terrain with high obstructions (thick trees…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering. The power line, mountainous terrain with high obstructions (thick trees and underbrush) and the operators failure to maintain a "hazard map" as indicated in their procedures manual were factors.

Oct 10, 2003 W. Cameron 509, USA N81671 Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorm…

The pilot's loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the low ceilings, and the miscommunication between the pilot and the company's communication center in obtaining in-flight weather advisories, including aircraft location.

Sep 21, 2003 Shoals, IN N74AE Incident substantial
The pilot not maintaining a proper descent rate during the touchdown once visual reference was reduced by the dust in the rotor downwash. Factors wer…

The pilot not maintaining a proper descent rate during the touchdown once visual reference was reduced by the dust in the rotor downwash. Factors were the dusty gravel landing area and the pilot's visual lookout not being possible due to the dust the rotor downwash raised.

Sep 12, 2003 Galveston 395, USA N12HT Minor destroyed The reason for loss of control was undetermined.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data