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
Nov 07, 2017 Rolling Fork, MS N93PH Minor substantial An uncommanded yaw and subsequent loss of main rotor rpm for reasons that could not be determined.
Jul 29, 2016 Outlook, WA N1087N Minor destroyed
The pilot and ground crew's failure to visually inspect the helicopter's skids before takeoff, which resulted in a water hose becoming entangled on th…

The pilot and ground crew's failure to visually inspect the helicopter's skids before takeoff, which resulted in a water hose becoming entangled on the right skid, a loss of control, an impact with terrain, and a post-crash fire.

Apr 18, 2016 Arden Hills, MN N119SP Minor substantial A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence
Apr 06, 2016 Supai, AZ N73AW Minor substantial
The pilot's decision to fly a normal approach and forgetting that the long line remained attached to the helicopter, which resulted in the line snaggi…

The pilot's decision to fly a normal approach and forgetting that the long line remained attached to the helicopter, which resulted in the line snagging on a ridgeline, a loss of lateral control, and a rollover.

Mar 26, 2016 Hanford, CA N52Q Minor substantial
The pilot's decision to release the collective while flying at 10 feet above ground level, resulting in the rapid helicopter descent and impact with t…

The pilot's decision to release the collective while flying at 10 feet above ground level, resulting in the rapid helicopter descent and impact with terrain.

Nov 02, 2015 Dallas, OR N22743 Minor substantial A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Sep 01, 2015 Boyaca, CO HK 3311 Minor substantial Investigation pending
Aug 07, 2015 Lake Peten Izta, GT TG-MIX Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jan 17, 2015 Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan, GT TG-TOL Minor destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 17, 2014 Decatur, TX N536T Minor substantial The flight instructor’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
Apr 04, 2014 Missoula, MT N43MA Minor substantial A dynamic rollover during attempted liftoff.
Oct 04, 2013 Upper Edgebold, UK G-BPWI Minor substantial Investigation pending
Sep 07, 2013 Amistad, NM N721LL Minor substantial The pilot's failure to arrest the descent following an abrupt maneuver to avoid birds, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
Aug 04, 2013 Chualar, CA N90146 Minor substantial
Maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the bolts securing the main driveshaft to the transmission, which resulted in fatigue failure of t…

Maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the bolts securing the main driveshaft to the transmission, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolts and disconnection of the driveshaft during low-altitude flight.

May 02, 2012 Valley Falls, KS N85RB Minor substantial The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during a hover maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Apr 26, 2012 Amarillo, TX N2068X Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during landing in gusty wind conditions associated with a thunderstorm, which resulted in a loss of…

The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during landing in gusty wind conditions associated with a thunderstorm, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Mar 06, 2012 Titusville, FL N83AP Minor substantial
The flight instructor's attempted takeoff in gusting wind conditions while the student pilot was adjusting her anti-torque pedals, which resulted in a…

The flight instructor's attempted takeoff in gusting wind conditions while the student pilot was adjusting her anti-torque pedals, which resulted in a dynamic rollover event.

May 26, 2011 Walton, KS N1815 Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies.
Apr 13, 2011 Venice, LA N887T Minor substantial The pilot's improper use of the collective and cyclic control during taxi operations, which induced a dynamic rollover.
Mar 24, 2011 GM N32041 Minor substantial The loss of engine power due to an engine compressor stall as a result of ingesting methane gas during takeoff.
Jan 20, 2011 Northland, New Zealand, NZ ZK-ISF Minor destroyed Investigation pending
Dec 10, 2010 Isom, KY N263CH Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during an aerial observation flight.
Jul 28, 2010 St. Olaf, IA N275RA Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during the agricultural flight.
Jul 03, 2010 La Tuna, MX XC-BAM Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jun 10, 2010 Gulf of Mexico, USA N108PH Minor minor
A suspected failure of the tail rotor for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure of the emergency floats to properly inflate due …

A suspected failure of the tail rotor for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure of the emergency floats to properly inflate due to improper installment and inspection by maintenance personnel.

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