Bell 222 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 48 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

48

All Events

25

Incidents

8

Minor

2

Serious

10

Fatal (27 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Apr 26, 2019 Addis Ababa, ET ET--AVF Incident substantial Investigation pending
Sep 04, 2010 Los Angeles, CA N222AM Incident
Failure of the air traffic controller to exercise positive control of the situation by issuing clear and timely control instructions to the helicopter…

Failure of the air traffic controller to exercise positive control of the situation by issuing clear and timely control instructions to the helicopter pilot. Contributing to the incident was delay by the helicopter pilot in responding to instructions issued by the controller.

Apr 09, 2010 Santa Maria, CA N222UT Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection to ensure that all tie-down straps were removed prior to flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilo…

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection to ensure that all tie-down straps were removed prior to flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper management of sleep opportunities during the preceding rest period, which likely contributed to the development of fatigue.

Apr 08, 2009 Gulf of Mexico, TX N309CH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstructions while landing on a shipboard helipad.
Mar 13, 2009 Milliken, CO N222LL Incident substantial The separation of the left engine cowling for undetermined reasons.
Nov 28, 2007 Casper, WY N222LF Incident substantial
High winds forcing the helicopter's main rotor blade to strike the helicopter vertical stabilizer and tail boom during engine start, causing substanti…

High winds forcing the helicopter's main rotor blade to strike the helicopter vertical stabilizer and tail boom during engine start, causing substantial damage.

Sep 28, 2004 Santa Rosa, CA N222UT Incident substantial the pilot-in-command's (examinee's) incorrect collective control response to a simulated power loss of the number 1 engine.
Jul 14, 2004 Louie Lake, ID N277LF Incident substantial
The failure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Factors contributing to the accident included the …

The failure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. Factors contributing to the accident included the tailwind condition and the tree.

Jul 30, 2003 SALINAS, CA N29KH Incident
The fatigue failure (fracture) of the right forward transmission lift link during cruise flight, which resulted in a severe vibration and an emergency…

The fatigue failure (fracture) of the right forward transmission lift link during cruise flight, which resulted in a severe vibration and an emergency landing.

Apr 06, 2001 Alcova, WY N222LF Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance during a right pedal turn while hovering.
Apr 14, 2000 St. Paul, MN N225LL Incident substantial
The loss of clamp-up force between the transmission case and the pylon mounted actuator support assembly which resulted in fatigue failure of the thre…

The loss of clamp-up force between the transmission case and the pylon mounted actuator support assembly which resulted in fatigue failure of the threaded studs and dowel pins, the failure of the flight control system, helicopter control not being possible after the flight control failure, and the inadequate maintenance procedures by the company maintenance personnel.

May 16, 1999 ROCKTON, IL N781SA Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged flare during landing. A factor to the accident was the dark night lighting condition.
Jul 30, 1998 TRANQUILITY, CA N911RA Incident destroyed
The pilot's delayed initiation of a go-around when the severity of the dust condition first became apparent. Contributing factors were dark night cond…

The pilot's delayed initiation of a go-around when the severity of the dust condition first became apparent. Contributing factors were dark night conditions and the obscuration from the dust.

Jun 21, 1995 DES MOINES, IA N274SM Incident minor delamination of the left engine air inlet duct.
Jun 28, 1992 SCIPIO, UT N222UH Incident minor AN ENCOUNTER WITH CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE.
Jan 30, 1990 MIDDLEVILLE, MI N828WA Incident substantial
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE FROM THE TV TOWER. THE TV TOWER (GUY WIRE) WAS A RELATED F…

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE AND CLEARANCE FROM THE TV TOWER. THE TV TOWER (GUY WIRE) WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Mar 23, 1989 LEADVILLE, CO N5008Q Incident substantial FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE ADEQUATELY FOR WIND CONDITIONS WITH RUDDER PEDALS WHILE MANEUVERING IN UNFAVORABLE WIND AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
Aug 07, 1988 CAMERON, LA N3190K Incident minor Investigation pending
Apr 20, 1987 OXFORD, MS N222HX Incident minor Investigation pending
Oct 17, 1985 CHARENTON, LA N5013H Incident substantial Investigation pending
May 31, 1985 MILFORD, VA N3180K Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jul 03, 1984 E BRAKE BLK 397, N222PV Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 12, 1984 SALEM, VA N222LH Incident substantial Investigation pending
Dec 10, 1983 ALBUQUERQUE, NM N3177G Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jan 11, 1983 HOUSTON, TX N23021 Incident 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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