Bell 212 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 54 events recorded from 1982 to 2023.

54

All Events

15

Incidents

9

Minor

10

Serious

17

Fatal (45 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Sep 10, 2023 Balch Camp, CA N873HL Serious (1) destroyed
The pilot’s inadequate performance planning for the operation that resulted in an excessive gross weight for the operating conditions, leading to a lo…

The pilot’s inadequate performance planning for the operation that resulted in an excessive gross weight for the operating conditions, leading to a loss of altitude during maneuvering and contact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight despite a series of malfunctions with the water deployment system, and his subsequent inability to jettison the load, preventing a successful recovery from the loss of altitude.

Sep 07, 2023 Um Al Quwain, OF A6-ALD Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 07, 2021 Weed, CA N911KW Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an approach to a lake. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to release the full water …

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an approach to a lake. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to release the full water bucket as the helicopter was settling, which reduced the helicopter’s out-of-ground-effect performance.

Jun 29, 2021 Evansburg, CA C-GYHQ Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Mar 05, 2021 Bowen Island, CA C-GNYI Minor substantial Investigation pending
Jan 27, 2021 Región del Libertador Bernardo O´Higgins, CI CC-ATY Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 25, 2018 Dardanelle, CA N512TA Serious (1) substantial
An in-flight failure of the trunnion bearing and subsequent failure of the drive link and swashplate support, which resulted in the loss of helicopter…

An in-flight failure of the trunnion bearing and subsequent failure of the drive link and swashplate support, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control.

Sep 29, 2013 Murbad, Thane District, India, IN VT-HGB Fatal (5) destroyed <br /><br />
Jun 14, 2013 Tefe, BR PR-HRZ Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 23, 2012 Malvinas, PE OB-1912-P Serious (1) substantial <br /><br />
Nov 25, 2011 Quito, EC HC-CLH Serious (4) substantial Investigation pending
Sep 30, 2011 Bienservida, SP CC-CIS Fatal (1) Investigation pending
Jun 21, 2011 Mesa, AZ N49678 Serious (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while in a low hover.
Jan 17, 2011 Cuzco, PE OB-1767P Incident substantial Investigation pending
Oct 15, 2010 Minatitlan Veracruz, MX XA-IUR Fatal (8) substantial Investigation pending
Jul 21, 2009 Willow Creek, CA N212HP Fatal (1) The rappeller's failure to properly latch the rappelling harness to the rappelling assembly before exiting the helicopter.
Feb 28, 2009 Aguascalientes, MX XC-DES Minor substantial Not Required. Investigation is being conducted by the DGAC, Mexico.
Sep 03, 2008 Persian Gulf, TC A6-AVL Fatal (7) substantial Investigation pending
Jan 16, 2008 Kiteni, PE OB-1850 Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 13, 2007 Guipuzcoa, SP EC-FBM Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 22, 2006 San Vicente, CO HK-3341 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 04, 2006 Happy Camp, CA N873HL Incident substantial Failure of compressor second stage stator vane for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.
Aug 24, 2004 Umpire, AR N181W Minor substantial The pilot's encounter with settling with power resulting in a loss of control. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.
May 25, 2004 Chester, CA N362EH Incident substantial
the pilot's excessive use of the cyclic and collective controls in response to the helicopter's unexpected rocking motion, which led to a main rotor c…

the pilot's excessive use of the cyclic and collective controls in response to the helicopter's unexpected rocking motion, which led to a main rotor contact with the upper wire cutter mounted on the cabin roof. A factor in the accident was the rough, sloping nature of the landing zone chosen for the firebase.

Jan 17, 2003 McMurdo Station, AY N1079U Serious (2) substantial
The pilot's continued operation of the helicopter with an unstable external load, which resulted in damage to the cargo hook assembly, adjacent thrott…

The pilot's continued operation of the helicopter with an unstable external load, which resulted in damage to the cargo hook assembly, adjacent throttle controls, and subsequent loss of engine power, precipitating an emergency descent and impact with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the load oscillations, and the separation of the fuel crossover lines.

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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