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 03, 2006 Antioquia, CO HK3727 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 30, 2006 Walford, IA N2877F Fatal (1) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines. The powerlines were a factor.
May 30, 2006 Grand Isle 43AA, USA N92MT Fatal (1) The pilot's incapacitation and death due to pre-existing cardiac disease.
Mar 14, 2006 Patterson, LA N370RL Fatal (2) destroyed
The improper installation of an engine fuel line fitting by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loose fitting and a loss of engine power …

The improper installation of an engine fuel line fitting by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loose fitting and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and the lack of a suitable site for a forced landing.

Feb 24, 2006 Mutata, CO HK-2496 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Feb 02, 2006 Parkes, AS VH-MFI Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Dec 21, 2005 Coupar Angus, UK G-WLLY Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 02, 2005 El Marques, MX XA-LUM Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Oct 06, 2005 Gulf of Mexico, USA N6560K Fatal (3) destroyed Undetermined. The aircraft is missing.
Aug 18, 2005 Gulf of Mexico, USA N167H Fatal (2) destroyed The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel calculations.
Jul 25, 2005 Balaga, Sarawak, MY 9M-BCT Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 26, 2005 Sirnach, SZ HB-XQO Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 10, 2005 Shelbyville, TX N85BH Fatal (3) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance for undetermined reasons.
Feb 21, 2005 Gentry, AR N5734M Fatal (1) substantial The pilot’s improper decision to maneuver in an environment conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Feb 05, 2005 Bonifay, FL N35BA Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain a climb after takeoff and his continued descent which resulted in an in-flight collision with the ground. A factor in …

The pilot's failure to maintain a climb after takeoff and his continued descent which resulted in an in-flight collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the dark night.

Jan 23, 2005 Villarrica, CI CC-CKC Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Sep 25, 2004 Kalaheo, HI N16849 Fatal (5) destroyed
The pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of turbulent, reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in …

The pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of turbulent, reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of control of the helicopter. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's inexperience in assessing local weather conditions, inadequate Federal Aviation Administration surveillance of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 71 operating restrictions, and the operator's pilot-scheduling practices that likely had an adverse impact on pilot decision-making and performance.

Aug 17, 2004 Mead, WA N34698 Fatal (1) destroyed
The reversal of the reel machine during a sock line pull which resulted in a loss of control while hovering out of ground effect. Factors were the fa…

The reversal of the reel machine during a sock line pull which resulted in a loss of control while hovering out of ground effect. Factors were the failure of company management to develop adequate procedures for conducting sock line pulls, the inadequate communication between the chief pilot and the pilot, the inadequate communication between the ground personnel and the pilot, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in Class C external load operations.

Jul 17, 2004 Cameron, LA N1078C Fatal (1) destroyed The helicopter's in-flight collision with water for undetermined reasons.
Jun 27, 2004 Cushing, OK N27TV Fatal (2) destroyed
the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude flight, sun…

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude flight, sun glare, and the static wires.

Jun 25, 2004 Mesa, AZ N97AZ Fatal (1) substantial
the pilot's failure to adequately clear the left skid of obstacles resulting in a dynamic rollover of the helicopter and collision with terrain. A fa…

the pilot's failure to adequately clear the left skid of obstacles resulting in a dynamic rollover of the helicopter and collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the dark nighttime lighting conditions.

Jun 24, 2004 Vermillion Bay, LA N5006F Fatal (3) destroyed
The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms a…

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms and the pilot's inadequate in flight preparation and planning.

May 11, 2004 SMI-28, USA N83MT Fatal (1) Incapacitation of the pilot due to a heart attack.
May 01, 2004 Deadhorse, AK N130AL Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his spatial disorientation and loss of control during a subseque…

The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his spatial disorientation and loss of control during a subsequent landing. Factors associated with the accident are flat light and whiteout conditions, fog, and snow-covered terrain.

Apr 21, 2004 Boonville, IN N137AE Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's inadequate planning/decision which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequat…

The pilot's inadequate planning/decision which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, his diverted attention, and the dark night conditions.

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