Bell 47 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 744 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

744

All Events

391

Incidents

169

Minor

96

Serious

84

Fatal (106 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 29, 1992 ADJUNTAS, PR N8476E Fatal (4) destroyed
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM DURING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF ENGINE OIL. IN ADDITION, THE P…

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR RPM DURING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF ENGINE OIL. IN ADDITION, THE PILOT FAILED TO INSURE THAT THE ENGINE CONTAINED ADEQUATE OIL, AND THAT THE OIL DIP STICK WAS SECURE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT DUE TO MARIJUANA.

Jun 16, 1992 SHELBURNE FALLS, MA N1041B Fatal (3) destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE. CONTRIBUTING WAS INADEQUATE ALTITUDE.
Oct 31, 1991 KOSRAE, USA N7162R Fatal (1) destroyed
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTING IN A TIEDOWN STRAP NOT BEING REMOVED FROM THE RIGHT SKID AND SUBSEQUE…

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTING IN A TIEDOWN STRAP NOT BEING REMOVED FROM THE RIGHT SKID AND SUBSEQUENT ROLL OVER ON TAKEOFF.

Jun 26, 1991 GOLDENDALE, WA N7859S Fatal (1) substantial THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF FUEL SUPPLY.
Oct 22, 1990 AQ N2294W Fatal (2) destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ON ADEQUATE ALTITUDE WHILE MANEUVERING ABOVE THE WATER.
Jun 22, 1990 MEADVILLE, PA N310A Fatal (1) destroyed THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID THE POWER LINES.
Jun 16, 1990 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA N67223 Fatal (3) substantial
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. DARKNESS AND THE PILOT'S MANNER OF FLYING THE AIRCRAFT (OST…

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. DARKNESS AND THE PILOT'S MANNER OF FLYING THE AIRCRAFT (OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY) WERE CONSIDERED TO BE RELATED FACTORS.

Nov 06, 1989 ELBERTON, GA N73871 Fatal (1) destroyed A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE.
Sep 18, 1989 MONITOR, WA N83111 Fatal (1) destroyed THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT SEPARATION FROM OBSTACLES ON THE GROUND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE BRIGHT GLARE FROM THE RISING SUN.
Dec 02, 1988 RUSSELL, MA N163B Fatal (1) destroyed A PILOT INDUCED LOW ROTOR RPM CONDITION, FOLLOWED BY BLADE FLAPPING AS THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE CONTACTED THE TAIL OF THE HELICOPTER.
Nov 03, 1988 PHOENIX, AZ N5163B Fatal (1) destroyed LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY A UNQUALIFIED PERSON.
May 07, 1988 CORTEZ, CO N8455E Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 21, 1988 NIXA, MO N7735 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 13, 1988 SAN DIEGO, CA XBDGH Fatal (1) destroyed
PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN PERFORMING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. HIS FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE TWO TIE DOWNS STRAPS ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICO…

PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN PERFORMING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. HIS FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE TWO TIE DOWNS STRAPS ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTED THE ROLL.

Aug 31, 1987 OPA LOCKA, FL N6728D Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Jun 03, 1987 DAYTON, MN N128B Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
May 14, 1987 NEW PRAGUE, MN N6786D Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 19, 1987 WASSAIC, NY N13766 Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 23, 1986 BURBANK, WA N1197W Fatal minor Investigation pending
Jul 07, 1986 ELROSA, MN N94458 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 26, 1986 LISBON, OH N984B Fatal minor Investigation pending
May 06, 1986 AGANA, N2996W Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 27, 1985 PLAINFIELD, WI N7840S Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 20, 1985 BROOK, IN N1345A Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
May 16, 1985 BURLINGTON, MI N3755J Fatal (1) substantial 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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