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.
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.

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 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.

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 09, 2003 Kisatchie, LA N197AA Incident substantial A loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system.
Sep 06, 2003 Long Beach, CA N59506 Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate remedial action in response to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Aug 05, 2003 Merced, CA N9254Y Incident substantial
The pilot's excessive movement of the helicopter's controls during an aborted landing, which resulted in a loss of control (dynamic rollover) and an i…

The pilot's excessive movement of the helicopter's controls during an aborted landing, which resulted in a loss of control (dynamic rollover) and an in-flight collision with terrain.

Jul 02, 2003 Lansing, IL N52L Incident substantial
The dynamic rollover encountered by the pilot. Factors were the inadequate remedial action by the pilot due to his failure to prevent the rollover, a…

The dynamic rollover encountered by the pilot. Factors were the inadequate remedial action by the pilot due to his failure to prevent the rollover, and the inadequate facility with regard to the design of the landing platform.

May 31, 2003 Broomfield, CO N382SP Incident substantial the student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the instructor's inadequate supervision.
May 07, 2003 Hurst, TX N81519 Incident substantial
The improper flare by the pilot receiving instruction, which resulted in the hard landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequa…

The improper flare by the pilot receiving instruction, which resulted in the hard landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

Mar 06, 2003 Kingsland, TX N793CA Incident substantial
The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contract with the tailrotor blades, after the aft cargo door was left unsecured. Cont…

The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contract with the tailrotor blades, after the aft cargo door was left unsecured. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the failure of the medical crewmember to properly secure the aft cargo door.

Jan 31, 2003 West Plains, MO N27AE Incident substantial The excessive descent rate that required an abrupt flare, resulting in the main rotor severing the tailboom.
Jan 21, 2003 Oak Grove, LA N5740L Incident substantial
The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factors was …

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factors was the fog.

Dec 31, 2002 High Island 471, USA N177AL Incident substantial
The pilot's attempt to takeoff during known adverse weather conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. Contribut…

The pilot's attempt to takeoff during known adverse weather conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the gusty and high wind conditions.

Dec 18, 2002 Odenton, MD N651GA Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to monitor his fuel supply which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's misjudged flare, which resulted …

The pilot's failure to monitor his fuel supply which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's misjudged flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Nov 08, 2002 Albany, KY N108AE Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, which resulted in an angle of approach in relative wind conditions conducive to a loss of helicopter tail r…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, which resulted in an angle of approach in relative wind conditions conducive to a loss of helicopter tail rotor effectiveness. A factor was the obstacles surrounding the landing field.

Sep 25, 2002 North Las Vegas, NV N601GM Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power due to an inadequate fuel supply.
Aug 24, 2002 Wisdom, MT N832AH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an object while maneuvering. A tree(s) was a factor.
Aug 01, 2002 E Cameron 190, USA N25GH Incident substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
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