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 24, 2005 Algonac, MI N311JX Minor substantial
The pilot not maintaining helicopter control, the loss of tail rotor effectiveness he encountered, and his not maintaining clearance from objects duri…

The pilot not maintaining helicopter control, the loss of tail rotor effectiveness he encountered, and his not maintaining clearance from objects during the approach. Factor were the low altitude, the transmission lines, and the garage.

Nov 09, 2004 Sapulpa, OK N1075P Minor substantial
The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contact with the tail rotor blades, after the baggage compartment door unlatched durin…

The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contact with the tail rotor blades, after the baggage compartment door unlatched during flight. A contributing factor was the "dusk" light condition that prevailed at the time of the accident.

Oct 14, 2004 Eutaw, AL N300HT Minor substantial The pilots inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Sep 25, 2004 Starkville, MS N96PH Minor substantial
The operator's inadequate maintenance inspections and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the helicopter being operated wit…

The operator's inadequate maintenance inspections and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in the helicopter being operated with a contaminated fuel system, that resulted in fuel starvation, and the loss of engine power.

Aug 16, 2004 Kahului, HI N529RS Minor substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. Contributing factors were the direct cr…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. Contributing factors were the direct crosswind and his lack of total experience in the accident helicopter make and model.

Jul 23, 2004 Escalante, UT N2758C Minor substantial the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors contributing to the accident were the high winds, the gusts, and the refueling truck.
Jul 21, 2004 East Cameron 13, USA N133RT Minor substantial
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors were the fuel quantity gauge's improper fuel level indication, missing instrume…

The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors were the fuel quantity gauge's improper fuel level indication, missing instrument placard, company maintenance personnel's improper maintenance records, disregard for company procedures, and the inadequate surveillance by company personnel.

Jun 23, 2004 Lancaster, CA N305FD Minor substantial The pilot's misjudged autorotative flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision of the flight.
May 20, 2004 Palmdale, CA N2019F Minor substantial The momentary loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
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 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.

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 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.
Sep 12, 2003 Galveston 395, USA N12HT Minor destroyed The reason for loss of control was undetermined.
Aug 20, 2003 Mason, TX N9877Z Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line. A contributing factor was the sunglare.
Jul 10, 2003 Aniak, AK N111MT Minor substantial
The compressor discharge pressure line (Pc line) B-nut coming loose at the fuel control unit, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, and subs…

The compressor discharge pressure line (Pc line) B-nut coming loose at the fuel control unit, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees during an autorotation. A factor associated with the accident was the improper installation of the Pc line B-nut by company maintenance personnel.

Jun 20, 2003 Baxter, MN N79BH Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Factors contributing to this accident were the h…

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Factors contributing to this accident were the helicopter's low airspeed, low altitude, the crosswind, and the trees.

Jun 06, 2003 Malone, TX N242TK Minor substantial a fuel starvation induced loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
May 08, 2003 Aurora, CO N70TV Minor substantial
inadequate infligt planning/decision by the flight crew and the check pilot's failure to initiate remedial action in a timely manner. Contributing fa…

inadequate infligt planning/decision by the flight crew and the check pilot's failure to initiate remedial action in a timely manner. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's inadequate supervision of the check pilot, the check pilot's lack of recency of high altitude experience, and the high density altitude.

Jul 25, 2002 Eugene Is 192, USA N3174Y Minor substantial The loss of tail rotor control due to an in-flight collision with an object.
Jul 25, 2002 Newfield, NY C-GMLS Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to verify the amount of fuel onboard prior to departure, which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and subsequent har…

The pilot's failure to verify the amount of fuel onboard prior to departure, which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and subsequent hard landing. A factor was the lack of a suitable landing area under the helicopter when the power loss occurred.

May 28, 2002 Meadview, AZ N1075S Minor destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain distance and altitude during landing approach, resulting in the helicopter striking the ground during approach.
May 02, 2002 COCA, EC HC-BXA Minor substantial Investigation pending
Apr 11, 2002 Walnut Hill, TX N513FD Minor substantial
The loss of engine power as a result of the backing off of the PC air line "B" nut due to the improper installation by the company maintenance personn…

The loss of engine power as a result of the backing off of the PC air line "B" nut due to the improper installation by the company maintenance personnel. Contributing factors were the inadequate preflight by the pilot and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

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