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
Aug 03, 2006 Busby, MT N5746N Incident substantial
The improper overhaul of the turbine assembly by maintenance personnel, which resulted in failure of the turbine and a total loss of engine power. A …

The improper overhaul of the turbine assembly by maintenance personnel, which resulted in failure of the turbine and a total loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare at the termination of the autorotation.

Jul 15, 2006 Maria Lankowitz, Austria, AU OE-KXE Incident substantial Investigation pending
May 02, 2006 Vinita, OK N342WC Incident substantial
The pilot's improper pre-flight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack o…

The pilot's improper pre-flight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Apr 07, 2006 Sprague, WA N96NW Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering. Mountainous terrain was a factor.
Mar 04, 2006 Naples, FL N6BR Incident substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable area to make a precautionary landing which resulted in the helicopter rolling into a ditch.
Jan 25, 2006 Fort Worth, TX N225GH Incident substantial The flight instructors failure to maintain main rotor RPM and improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Oct 06, 2005 Denver, CO N206DB Incident substantial
the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation resulting in him taking the helicopter into the air with insufficient fuel to accomplish the f…

the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation resulting in him taking the helicopter into the air with insufficient fuel to accomplish the flight, and the subsequent fuel exhaustion leading to the hard landing.

Sep 23, 2005 Titusville, FL N39MK Incident substantial The flight instructor's improper flare resulting in a hard landing and main rotor contact with tail boom.
Sep 15, 2005 Elk Point, SD N2995W Incident substantial
The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons which led to the pilot not being able to maintain clearance from the embankment during the fo…

The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons which led to the pilot not being able to maintain clearance from the embankment during the forced landing. The rising embankment was a factor.

Aug 17, 2005 Gulf of Mexico, USA N330P Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a stationary object while landing.
Jul 13, 2005 West Plains, MO N2756A Incident substantial
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the intentional autorotation. The pilot's misjudgment of the touchdown flare leading to a hard…

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the intentional autorotation. The pilot's misjudgment of the touchdown flare leading to a hard landing was an additional cause. A contributing factor was the intentional autorotation.

Jul 12, 2005 San Juan, PR N27VT Incident substantial
The inadequate preflight/planning by the pilot for his initiation of the flight with inadequate fuel supply, and his failure to maintain main rotor rp…

The inadequate preflight/planning by the pilot for his initiation of the flight with inadequate fuel supply, and his failure to maintain main rotor rpm following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion which resulted in a hard landing.

Jun 25, 2005 Cleveland, OH N1212N Incident substantial
A failure of the main drive shaft for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. A factor was pilot's improper flare, whic…

A failure of the main drive shaft for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. A factor was pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Jun 12, 2005 Cascade, CO N81EA Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the attempted landing on mountainous terrain. A contributing factor was strong wind gusts dur…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the attempted landing on mountainous terrain. A contributing factor was strong wind gusts during the attempted landing.

Jun 08, 2005 Moulton Cove, LA N2761X Incident substantial
The loss of engine power due to foreign object ingestion into the compressor. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain (swampy) for the…

The loss of engine power due to foreign object ingestion into the compressor. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain (swampy) for the forced landing.

May 04, 2005 Georgetown, TX N9877Z Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare resulting in a hard landing.
May 02, 2005 Peach Springs, AZ N3895D Incident substantial a loss of power for undetermined reasons.
Apr 30, 2005 Cherokee, NC N66RR Incident substantial The pilot's improper use of the helicopter flight controls during a hover that resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Mar 15, 2005 Elim, AK N422R Incident substantial
The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an i…

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are flat light, whiteout conditions, fog, and snow-covered terrain.

Feb 18, 2005 Cameron, LA N512RA Incident substantial
Fuel starvation due to a blocked and collapsed fuel nozzle screen, resulting from a contaminated fuel source/facility. Factors were the inadequate mai…

Fuel starvation due to a blocked and collapsed fuel nozzle screen, resulting from a contaminated fuel source/facility. Factors were the inadequate maintenance/inspection of fuel sources, and the lack of suitable terrain (high sea state) for the forced landing at sea.

Feb 01, 2005 Lancaster, PA N59MB Incident substantial The pilot's loss of lateral control while attempting to transition to a hover from the ground. A factor was the bright sunlight conditions.
Jan 19, 2005 Pinehurst, TX N8040T Incident substantial The flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
Nov 13, 2004 Eureka, UT N130JH Incident substantial
the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making and failure to maintain obstacle clearance, resulting in contact with a power transmission…

the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making and failure to maintain obstacle clearance, resulting in contact with a power transmission line. Contributing factors include the intentional low-level maneuver, the power transmission line, and the pilot's inadequate visual lookout.

Sep 29, 2004 Gulf of Mexico, N34CA Incident destroyed
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while on short final to land on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which resulted in the pilot dit…

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons while on short final to land on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, which resulted in the pilot ditching the helicopter into the water.

Aug 24, 2004 Panama City, FL N107PH Incident substantial
Inadequate maintenance inspection resulting in the partial loss of engine power due to a loose pneumatic line on the governor and ditching of the he…

Inadequate maintenance inspection resulting in the partial loss of engine power due to a loose pneumatic line on the governor and ditching of the helicopter.

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