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
Apr 08, 2011 Santo Andre City, BR PT-YMJ Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 18, 2011 Vereda Galan, CO HK-4594 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Dec 21, 2010 Aracuju, BR PR-HQB Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Nov 03, 2010 Meeker, CO N8533F Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from electrical power lines during the low-altitude flight.
Oct 15, 2010 Clarkson Valley, MO N96MP Fatal (1) substantial
The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision-making, and his impr…

The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision-making, and his improper control inputs following the loss of engine power, which resulted in mast bumping and separation of the main rotor. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper judgment in acting as a pilot with disqualifying medical conditions.

Sep 18, 2010 San Pedro Sula, HO HR-AVL Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
May 20, 2010 Traralgon, Australia, AS VH-OSU Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 19, 2010 Carayaca, VE YV2191 Fatal (4) substantial Investigation pending
Jan 05, 2010 Auberry, CA N5016U Fatal (4) substantial The pilot's failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.
Dec 09, 2009 Dorrigo, Australia, AS VH-MJO Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Mar 25, 2009 Kahramanmaras City, TU TC-HEK Fatal (6) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 08, 2009 Moundridge, KS N863H Fatal (1) substantial Inflight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
Dec 11, 2008 Sabine Pass, TX N180AL Fatal (5) destroyed
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological co…

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.

Nov 24, 2008 Vetas, CO HK4361 Fatal (3) substantial None.
Oct 13, 2008 Conroe, TX N6ZV Fatal (2) destroyed A loss of control for undetermined reasons.
Sep 25, 2008 Douglas Camp, PP P2-HBC Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 31, 2008 Greensburg, IN N37AE Fatal (3) destroyed
The in-flight separation of a main rotor blade due to a fatigue failure of the blade spar, rendering the helicopter uncontrollable, and the manufactur…

The in-flight separation of a main rotor blade due to a fatigue failure of the blade spar, rendering the helicopter uncontrollable, and the manufacturer's production of main rotor blades with latent manufacturing defects, which precipitated the fatigue failure of the blade spar.

May 09, 2008 Muanda, CF N5014V Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 08, 2008 Totes Gebirge, AU OE-XRH Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 07, 2008 Zuzenhausen, GE D-HJET Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Dec 30, 2007 Cherokee, AL N109AE Fatal (3) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during an out-of-ground-effect hover. Contributing to the accident was a loss of tail rotor …

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during an out-of-ground-effect hover. Contributing to the accident was a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Dec 29, 2007 Venice, LA N211EL Fatal (1) destroyed
The pilot’s decision to continue to the destination landing platform in weather conditions below the company’s weather minimums and his failure to mai…

The pilot’s decision to continue to the destination landing platform in weather conditions below the company’s weather minimums and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the approach. Contributing to the passenger fatality and the severity of the occupant injuries were the lack of a passenger briefing on how to deploy the liferaft, which was required by the company but not by the Federal Aviation Administration because this flight was not an extended overwater operation; the pilot’s failure to deploy the liferafts; and the company radio operator’s misreporting of the helicopter’s “landed” status, which delayed the rescue response.

Sep 11, 2007 Nokomis, FL N261BH Fatal (2) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water.
Jun 05, 2007 Simiti, Bolivar, CO HK4400 Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Apr 21, 2007 Changuinola, PM HP1602HFN Fatal (2) Investigation pending
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