How many accidents has the Bell 206 had?

The NTSB has recorded 1329 events involving the Bell 206: 317 fatal, 192 serious, 242 minor injuries, and 546 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Bell 206 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Bell 206 has 1329 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

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
Mar 02, 2009	Galliano, LA	N410RL	Incident	substantial	The failure of the tail rotor driveshaft and coupling during engine start due to the mechanic's failure to properly reattach the tail rotor driveshaft… The failure of the tail rotor driveshaft and coupling during engine start due to the mechanic's failure to properly reattach the tail rotor driveshaft and coupling during maintenance.
Sep 09, 2008	Eutaw, AL	N206WA	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
Aug 11, 2008	Heber Springs, AR	N832AH	Incident	substantial	the improper installation of the PC line on the engine which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the trees e… the improper installation of the PC line on the engine which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the trees encountered during the forced landing.
Jun 08, 2008	Philadelphia, PA	N94PD	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during hover, which resulted in an inadvertent impact with the ground.
Apr 27, 2008	Murietta, CA	N526DL	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action. A contributing factor to the accident was the dual student's improper flar… The flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action. A contributing factor to the accident was the dual student's improper flare.
Mar 11, 2008	Oxnard, CA	N7028J	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during an aerial application.
Jan 13, 2008	La Verna, CA	N49588	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper preflight planning which resulted in a jammed cyclic control while maneuvering.
Dec 01, 2007	Talladega, AL	N95CH	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire.
Nov 21, 2007	Twin Falls, ID	N123SD	Incident	substantial	The pilot misjudged the flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Oct 25, 2007	Ramona, CA	N412KK	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain control and correct a descent and a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering at a low altitude and reduced a… The pilot's failure to maintain control and correct a descent and a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering at a low altitude and reduced airspeed.
Sep 05, 2007	Lakeland, FL	N267MW	Incident	substantial	The failure of company maintenance personnel to replace the tail rotor drive shafts following tail rotor blade damage in 1999, the failure of maintena… The failure of company maintenance personnel to replace the tail rotor drive shafts following tail rotor blade damage in 1999, the failure of maintenance personnel to replace the tail rotor drive shafts in 2004, following their knowledge that the tail rotor blades and hub were scrapped due to tail rotor blade damage, and improper inspection and return to service by an FAA approved repair station for their failure to condemn the tail rotor drive shafts in 2004, all of which resulted in failure of the No. 5 tail rotor drive shaft during approach for landing.
Aug 28, 2007	West Palm Beach, FL	N100RW	Incident	substantial	The flight Instructor's delayed activation of the throttle during recovery from a demonstartion of an autorotation resulting in touchdown on soft ter… The flight Instructor's delayed activation of the throttle during recovery from a demonstartion of an autorotation resulting in touchdown on soft terrain and a nosedown.
Aug 12, 2007	Houma, LA	N85TC	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to properly secure all loose items prior to takeoff.
Aug 07, 2007	Warrenton, VA	N3202D	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during touchdown.
Jul 30, 2007	Anchorage, AK	N16757	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a light pole during final approach, which resulted in the helicopter striking the pole.
Jul 22, 2007	High Island 138, USA	N330P	Incident	destroyed	The loss of control as result of the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during takeoff.
Jun 26, 2007	Grand Forks, ND	N96ND	Incident	destroyed	The certified flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a h… The certified flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a hover for takeoff. A factor contributing to the accident was the gusting wind conditions.
Apr 22, 2007	Sevierville, TN	N219SH	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper use of the flight controls while at a hover that resulted in the tail colliding with the ground, a subsequent hard landing, and c… The pilot's improper use of the flight controls while at a hover that resulted in the tail colliding with the ground, a subsequent hard landing, and collapse of the skids.
Mar 05, 2007	Custer, MT	N150SP	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance between the tail rotor of his helicopter and a piece of farm equipment during the landing sequence.
Jan 07, 2007	Boise, ID	N1882	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from tall brush during a low-hover pedal turn. A factor was the six foot-tall brush located adjacent to the … The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from tall brush during a low-hover pedal turn. A factor was the six foot-tall brush located adjacent to the area where the pilot was operating.
Nov 11, 2006	Boulder City, NV	N59571	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate planning and decision in his failure to reduce the engine throttle to ground idle prior to exiting the helicopter.
Oct 06, 2006	Abbeville, LA	N266AL	Incident	minor	A fire in the baggage area for undetermined reasons.
Aug 12, 2006	Ozona, TX	N601GM	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of an unsuitable terrain for landing. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain.
Aug 11, 2006	Salt Lake City, UT	N206UH	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance by allowing the helicopter to drift backwards, resulting in its tail rotor striking a hangar.
Aug 09, 2006	Orlando, FL	N121RH	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter prior to the accident flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power during cruise flight, and a hard l… The pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter prior to the accident flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power during cruise flight, and a hard landing.

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.

← Bell 206 For Sale All Bell Models

Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Bell 206 Safety Record

Report an Issue