Bell 407 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 148 events recorded from 1996 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 16, 2013 | Rio Ablajo, HO | HR-AXO | Incident | substantial | <br /><br /> |
| May 31, 2013 | Columbia, MD | N407HC | Incident | substantial |
The short circuit failure of a tantalum capacitor, internal to the engine’s electronic control unit, resulting in an uncommanded shutdown of the engin…The short circuit failure of a tantalum capacitor, internal to the engine’s electronic control unit, resulting in an uncommanded shutdown of the engine in flight. |
| Dec 29, 2012 | Big Lake, TX | N534MT | Incident | substantial |
The loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the outer combustion case at the fuel nozzle port. Contributing to the accident was the operato…The loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the outer combustion case at the fuel nozzle port. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to conduct the recommended routine inspections of the outer combustion case. |
| Dec 25, 2012 | McAllen, TX | N489AE | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a parked helicopter during takeoff. |
| Nov 15, 2012 | Riverton, WY | N7160V | Incident | minor |
The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot…The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow company operating specifications for minimum altitude. |
| Aug 05, 2012 | San Antonio, TX | N429PH | Incident | minor | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tower guy wire during the approach to a helipad at night. |
| Nov 22, 2010 | Riverdale, UT | N408UH | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a highway marker sign while maneuvering. |
| May 11, 2010 | Abingdon, VA | N31VA | Incident | substantial |
The improper repair of an engine component by a repair facility, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was t…The improper repair of an engine component by a repair facility, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the repair facility to recognize that an improper repair had been accomplished, which allowed the component to be placed into service. |
| Sep 23, 2009 | Fort Worth, TX | N6040Y | Incident | substantial | Failure of the pilot to maintain control during landing. |
| May 04, 2009 | High Island 138, USA | N164RL | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windsock during the approach. |
| Feb 27, 2009 | Lancaster, TX | N2592T | Incident | substantial | The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and the failure of the CFI to provide appropriate instruction during the maneuver. |
| Jan 07, 2008 | DeLand, FL | N801DS | Incident | substantial | A total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of a third stage turbine wheel blade. |
| Dec 15, 2007 | Hig Island A595, USA | N407AK | Incident | — | The loss of tail rotor effectiveness for undetermined reasons. |
| Oct 15, 2007 | St Cloud, MN | N407LL | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's failure to execute a go-around when a normal approach to the intended landing point could not be maintained. An additional cause was the …The pilot's failure to execute a go-around when a normal approach to the intended landing point could not be maintained. An additional cause was the excessive descent rate that developed during the approach. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition and the tree line. |
| Feb 02, 2007 | Warialda, AS | VH-HRT | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Dec 12, 2006 | Raytown, MO | N302LE | Incident | minor |
The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to third stage turbine wheel blade fatigue and subsequent separation, which resulted in an emergency…The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to third stage turbine wheel blade fatigue and subsequent separation, which resulted in an emergency landing. |
| Nov 03, 2006 | Kalispell, MT | N407KH | Incident | substantial |
On-speed failure of the second stage turbine wheel as the result of engine oil starvation. The lack of maintenance oversight was a contributing facto…On-speed failure of the second stage turbine wheel as the result of engine oil starvation. The lack of maintenance oversight was a contributing factor. |
| Aug 19, 2006 | Havre, MT | N407SH | Incident | substantial |
The pilot inadvertently allowing the helicopter to enter into a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition while he was lowering a long-line lo…The pilot inadvertently allowing the helicopter to enter into a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition while he was lowering a long-line load to the ground, resulting in the helicopter settling to the ground and its tail rotor impacting part of the rigging used to haul the load. Factors include the long-line load and its rigging sitting on the ground at the point where the helicopter settled to the terrain. |
| Jun 05, 2006 | Bangalore, IN | VT-DAC | Incident | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Sep 21, 2005 | Inyokern, CA | N702WP | Incident | substantial | The pilot failed to maintain tail rotor clearance from obstacles during landing. |
| Apr 27, 2004 | Hurst, TX | N407BP | Incident | substantial |
The student pilot's excessive flare prior to touchdown during the practice autorotation which resulted in the tailboom stinger striking the ground. A…The student pilot's excessive flare prior to touchdown during the practice autorotation which resulted in the tailboom stinger striking the ground. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay to take remedial action. |
| Feb 19, 2004 | Madera, CA | N601MT | Incident | minor |
the failure of the number 6 hangar bearing due to overheating. A factor in the accident was the operator's likely inadequate compliance with service …the failure of the number 6 hangar bearing due to overheating. A factor in the accident was the operator's likely inadequate compliance with service bulletins and airworthiness directives on this issue, along with an inadequate maintenance inspection program for the bearings. |
| Nov 16, 2003 | Eugene Is. 27, USA | N405PH | Incident | minor | The loss of engine power due to the failure of the 3rd stage turbine wheel and subsequent catastrophic failure of the turbine assembly. |
| May 19, 2003 | Franklin, LA | N991SP | Incident | substantial | The loss of tail rotor effectiveness due to the inadequate maintenance performed by other company personnel. |
| May 11, 2003 | Gulf Of Mexico, USA | N491PH | Incident | substantial |
The short circuit of the C321capacitor in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that resulted in a single-point failure of the ECU's -15V power supply whi…The short circuit of the C321capacitor in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that resulted in a single-point failure of the ECU's -15V power supply which disengaged/reverted the Hydro-mechanical Unit (HMU) from automatic to manual fuel control. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's attempted remedial actions in the manual mode that resulted in the engine over temperature and loss of power, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. |