How many accidents has the Bell 407 had?

The NTSB has recorded 148 events involving the Bell 407: 44 fatal, 15 serious, 20 minor injuries, and 59 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Bell 407 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Bell 407 has 148 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Bell 407 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 148 events recorded from 1996 to 2026.

148

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (112 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Apr 10, 2003	Toluca, MX	XC-NVB	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Mar 24, 2003	Houma, LA	N501PH	Incident	substantial	The loss of tail rotor drive and anti-torque control resulting from the fracture and separation of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the overtemp… The loss of tail rotor drive and anti-torque control resulting from the fracture and separation of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the overtemperature and subsequent failure of the #5 hangar bearing.
Nov 10, 2001	Erath, LA	N517R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadvertant application of full right pedal which resulted in the baggage compartment door to open in-flight and a tie down rope to become… The pilot's inadvertant application of full right pedal which resulted in the baggage compartment door to open in-flight and a tie down rope to become entangled in the tail rotor drive system, and the failure of the tail rotor drive shaft resulting in the loss of anti-torque control.
Oct 11, 2001	COPIAPO, CI	CC-PBZ	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
May 04, 2001	Vermillion 44, USA	N917AL	Incident	substantial	Failure of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft coupling due to fatigue.
Mar 02, 2001	Jackson, WY	N9HE	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain adequate lateral and vertical clearance during landing. Factors were the clouds and snow-covered high terrain.
Jul 12, 2000	GOLDEN, CA	N409KA	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Apr 16, 2000	GRAND CANYON, AZ	N175PA	Incident	substantial	The failure and subsequent disintegration of the oil cooler fan forward hanger bearing.
Nov 20, 1996	MORAN, SP	ECGJC	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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Bell 407 Safety Record

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