Bell 407 Safety Record

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

148

All Events

59

Incidents

20

Minor

15

Serious

44

Fatal (112 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Oct 10, 2012 Coolbaugh Township, PA N108MF Fatal (2) substantial
The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions due to self-imposed pressure to complete the tri…

The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions due to self-imposed pressure to complete the trip, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.

Oct 05, 2012 Intracoastal City, LA N406AL Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadverten…

The pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with instrument metrological conditions shortly after takeoff.

Aug 31, 2012 Bath, NY N11SP Minor substantial
The pilot's improper recovery from an in-flight upset, which resulted in the main rotor striking and separating the tail boom. Contributing to the acc…

The pilot's improper recovery from an in-flight upset, which resulted in the main rotor striking and separating the tail boom. Contributing to the accident was the helicopter manufacturer's failure to warn pilots of unanticipated and unequal aft cyclic pressure in the single-pilot configured helicopter compared to the dual-pilot configured helicopter, which resulted in the in-flight upset when the pilot momentarily let go of the cyclic control.

Aug 25, 2012 Abingdon, VA N407N Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's improper decision to make a low-level departure over water in dark night conditions without lights, which resulted in controlled flight in…

The pilot's improper decision to make a low-level departure over water in dark night conditions without lights, which resulted in controlled flight into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to a vestibular illusion caused by the rapid acceleration during takeoff.

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.
Aug 04, 2012 Tlaxco, MX XC-SSP Minor substantial Investigation pending
Apr 14, 2012 Aberdeen, SD N509MT Minor substantial The fatigue failure of two turbine engine blades due to vibration.
Mar 23, 2012 Delray Beach, FL N31PB Minor substantial The pilot’s improper response to a simulated engine failure and the instructor’s delayed and improper remedial action.
Mar 22, 2012 Podnovye, RS RA-01931 Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Feb 21, 2012 Loma Bonita, Veracruz, Mexico, MX XA-JMB Serious (1) substantial Investigation pending
Feb 15, 2012 Moran Junction, WY N407HL Fatal (1) substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control while hovering at high density altitude, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Dec 13, 2011 Rock Springs, WY N8067Z Minor substantial The unauthorized operation of the helicopter by a non-certificated and unqualified individual who failed to maintain helicopter control.
Jun 19, 2011 Ladpur, India, IN VT-SWA Serious (2) substantial Investigation pending
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 10, 2009 Malyshkino, RS RA-01895AO Fatal (9) substantial Investigation pending
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.
Dec 22, 2008 Bow, NH N407GB Serious (1) substantial An interruption of fuel flow for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an engine flameout.
Oct 13, 2008 Sedona, AZ N42AZ Fatal (1) The paramedic's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor blades after exiting the helicopter.
Sep 25, 2008 Talbot Bay, AS VH-NSH Minor substantial None
Jun 29, 2008 Flagstaff, AZ N407MJ Fatal (7) destroyed
Both helicopter pilots’ failure to see and avoid the other helicopter on approach to the helipad. Contributing to the accident were the failure of N40…

Both helicopter pilots’ failure to see and avoid the other helicopter on approach to the helipad. Contributing to the accident were the failure of N407GA’s pilot to follow flight arrival route guidelines, and the failure of N407MJ’s pilot to follow communications guidelines requiring him to report his position within a minimum of 5 miles from the helipad.

Jun 08, 2008 Huntsville, TX N416PH Fatal (4) destroyed
The pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the l…

The pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.

May 04, 2008 Santiago, CI CC-PHI Incident substantial 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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