How many accidents has the Bell 47 had?

The NTSB has recorded 744 events involving the Bell 47: 84 fatal, 96 serious, 169 minor injuries, and 391 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Bell 47 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Bell 47 has 744 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Bell 47 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 744 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

744

All Events

391

Incidents

169

Minor

Serious

Fatal (106 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
May 03, 1998	STANWOOD, WA	N7965J	Incident	substantial	The failure of the number two connecting rod, which led to additional internal engine damage and a complete loss of power. Factors include soft terra… The failure of the number two connecting rod, which led to additional internal engine damage and a complete loss of power. Factors include soft terrain in the area where the pilot found it necessary to execute his forced landing.
Apr 20, 1998	SEDRO WOOLEY, WA	N80SD	Incident	destroyed	Fuel contamination and subsequent carburetor fuel flow restriction initiated by the use of an improper material (incorrect fuel hose). A factor was th… Fuel contamination and subsequent carburetor fuel flow restriction initiated by the use of an improper material (incorrect fuel hose). A factor was the trees.
Jan 15, 1998	MAGDALENA, NM	N7901S	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. A factor was a lack of recent experience in the type of operation being performed.
Jan 03, 1998	BUNNELL, FL	N59326	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing.
Oct 19, 1997	WINSTON, MT	N47AH	Incident	substantial	Fuel starvation due to fuel flow restriction from a failed carburetor automatic mixture control device. Factors include night light conditions for th… Fuel starvation due to fuel flow restriction from a failed carburetor automatic mixture control device. Factors include night light conditions for the forced landing.
Oct 16, 1997	WELSH, LA	N7104J	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, while maneuvering to avoid an obstruction. The abrupt maneuver was a related factor.
Oct 03, 1997	BURBANK, CA	N2483B	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 20, 1997	MCGEE, MS	N90485	Incident	substantial	fuel starvation, while in maneuvering flight, due to the pilot's improper planning/decision.
Aug 19, 1997	MONTROSE, CO	N2243W	Incident	substantial	failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to properly supervise the flight and ensure that adequate rotor rpm was maintainted during the autorotation/lan… failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to properly supervise the flight and ensure that adequate rotor rpm was maintainted during the autorotation/landing. The high density altitude was a related factor.
Aug 12, 1997	MOJAVE, CA	N9021R	Incident	substantial	The student's improper use of the throttle and collective controls and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
Aug 11, 1997	HOLCOMB, MS	N908B	Incident	substantial	The failure of the pilot to adequately see and avoid all obstructions while doing aerial application work.
Jul 22, 1997	IDAHO FALLS, ID	N3069G	Incident	substantial	The pilot-in-command's failure to verify the proper chemical and fuel load aboard prior to takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were: excess… The pilot-in-command's failure to verify the proper chemical and fuel load aboard prior to takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were: excessive fuel and chemical loading by ground personnel, tailwind conditions, and high density altitude.
Jul 21, 1997	BUTTONWILLOW, CA	N919SF	Incident	destroyed	failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a utility pole (obstruction) during aerial application. The obstruction was a related factor… failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a utility pole (obstruction) during aerial application. The obstruction was a related factor.
Jun 16, 1997	FALLON, NV	N1335X	Incident	substantial	exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply, due to improper planning and/or decision. A factor related to the accident was the high density altitude wh… exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply, due to improper planning and/or decision. A factor related to the accident was the high density altitude which made a successful autorotative landing unlikely.
Oct 07, 1996	KING CITY, CA	N8135J	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during the takeoff initial climb.
Oct 06, 1996	NUNDA, SD	N7925J	Incident	substantial	failure of maintenance personnel to properly torque the six accessory drive bolts, which resulted in fatigue failure of the undertorqued bolts.
Sep 29, 1996	BORINQUEN, PR	N1397X	Incident	substantial	the pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft while hover taxing. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and a tailwind.
Sep 10, 1996	RANGELY, CO	N1335X	Incident	substantial	the pilot's excessive cyclic control input during a low altitude operation, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from high vegetation (sage … the pilot's excessive cyclic control input during a low altitude operation, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from high vegetation (sage brush). The proximity of high vegetation was a related factor.
Aug 30, 1996	RIVERSIDE, CA	N57RA	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inaccurate perception of altitude which resulted in an improper flare and subsequent hard landing, and non use of the landing light.
Aug 23, 1996	INTRACOASTAL, LA	N1169W	Incident	destroyed	the loss of aircraft control by unknown person(s).
Jul 30, 1996	WEST BOCA RATON, FL	N1200Z	Incident	substantial	Failure of the pilot to apply carburetor heat following a loss of engine power due to inadequate altitude over a populated area. Contributing to the … Failure of the pilot to apply carburetor heat following a loss of engine power due to inadequate altitude over a populated area. Contributing to the accident was the encounter with conditions favorable for carburetor icing.
Jul 23, 1996	LOST HILLS, CA	N7885S	Incident	substantial	improper installation of the carburetor air box.
Jul 06, 1996	WASCO, CA	N154PG	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain adequate engine rpm during an aerial application flight.
May 26, 1996	LAKEWAY, TX	N8412E	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate prior to landing.
Apr 26, 1996	ARDMORE, OK	N5226	Incident	substantial	the student's inadvertent dynamic rollover, and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor.

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 47 Safety Record

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