# FAA incident reports: Bell 206L-3 A list on [Bell 206L-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3.md). Matched to the registry by N-number and event date, newest first. Page 1 of 3 · 123 reports - [Accident 20260730010249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260730010249A.md): Bell 206-L4 · Tuscumbia, AL · Jul 30, 2026 · N29AE · Substantial damage > While maneuvering above the landing pad at the aircraft home base, the aircraft tail rotor struck a concrete pole resulting in a hard landing on to the pad. No injuries reported. - [Accident 20260115000099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260115000099A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Logsden, OR · Jan 15, 2026 · N868H · Destroyed > An interview of the PIC revealed the following. The accident occurred at the beginning of a part 137 operation using a hopper/bucket to spread fertilizer. The pilot picked up to a hover, and as is standard practice, observed the chin-bubble mounted mirror… - [Incident 20250623007019I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250623007019I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Bowling Green, MO · Jun 23, 2025 · N248AE · No damage > While at a cruise altitude, with autopilot altitude hold engaged & set at 3500 feet MSL, the pilot noticed a slow climb and that his current altitude was now at 4000 feet MSL. The collective and cyclic controls required excessive forces to move indicating a… - [Accident 20241007013869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20241007013869A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Owenton, KY · Oct 7, 2024 · N230AE · Destroyed · 3 fatal > Aircraft was dispatched to the scene of a medical emergency with one pilot, a flight nurse, and flight medic. While enroute to the landing zone established by emergency personnel, the aircraft main rotor struck a guy wire attached to a transmission tower. The… - [Accident 20240708007429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240708007429A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Thorntown, IN · Jul 8, 2024 · N206WX · Substantial damage > On July 8, 2024, at approximately 1900 eastern standard time, the helicopter was operating under CFR part 137 while reloading with fungicide and fuel. The pilot initiated liftoff from the platform unaware the load-hose was not disconnected from the… - [Accident 20240423009619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240423009619A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tracy, CA · Apr 23, 2024 · N17592 · Substantial damage > Photo of the collective pushrod shows the metal rod broke (rod snapped in two). The helicopter was flying low and slow conducting pipeline patrol. The pilot heard a loud pop and the helicopter started to descend. The pilot attempted to increase the collective… - [Incident 20240322001939I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240322001939I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Wright City, OK · Mar 22, 2024 · N92PJ · No damage > This office was called by the regional operations command on 03/26/2024 at 3:30 pm, that a helicopter was shot at while flying over private property hog hunting around Wright City, Oklahoma. The game warden was called by the landowner and was told that they… - [Accident 20240120000769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240120000769A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Hydro, OK · Jan 20, 2024 · N295AE · Destroyed · 3 fatal > On Saturday, January 20, 2024, a Bell long ranger 206 helicopter was returning to home base after a patient transfer. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight it was reported to have crashed that resulted in the fatality of all three crew members on board… - [Accident 20230806008899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230806008899A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Carthage, IL · Aug 6, 2023 · N288AE · Substantial damage > The aircraft was facing north on e county rd 1200N approximately 5.25 miles from Carthage city center. The lat/long of the accident scene is: 40 degrees 22 minutes 14 seconds north and 91 degrees 03 minutes 08 seconds west as shown on google maps. The… - [Incident 20230102000289I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230102000289I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Louisville, KY · Jan 2, 2023 · N269AE · No damage > During cruise flight, pilot heard loud screeching. Initiated precautionary landing. Pilot found hydraulic fluid leaking on helicopter. Maintenance discovered flexable hydraulic hose misrouted and chaffed causing the leak. Maintenance replaced hydraulic pump… - [Accident 20220719007699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220719007699A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Templeton, PA · Jul 19, 2022 · N203PA · Minor damage > Note: (the investigation of the aircraft was completed at jimmy stewart airport (kidi) not at the location of the accident. The pilot flew the aircraft here after the wire strike.) This helicopter is operated under 14CFR part 135 to gather laser data and… - [Accident 20211028018029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20211028018029A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Covelo, CA · Oct 28, 2021 · N27TK · Substantial damage > 11/10/2021 Received report of a helicopter incident that that took place near Covelo, California on 10/28/2021 The incident included 4 persons including the pilot, and included a forced landing in a dry river bed. At 12:00 pm on 10/28/2021, the PIC, pilot in… - [Accident 20210908013049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210908013049A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tillamook, OR · Sep 8, 2021 · N6516K · Substantial damage > The pilot had just completed aerial recon of a new aerial application zone in steep, heavily wooded terrain and was climbing out of a small valley to meet the loader/fuel truck parked to the south of the spray zone. Between the loader truck and the spray zone… - [Accident 20210709009039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210709009039A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Berlin, IL · Jul 9, 2021 · N170AM · Destroyed > The pilot of the helicopter had just finished a 14 CFR 137 aerial application and approached the re-supply truck; landing from the west (heading east). Upon touchdown, the pilot stated he felt "something wasn't right." The pilot stated he felt a very slight… - [Accident 20210316005689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210316005689A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Lucerne Valley, CA · Mar 16, 2021 · N6133C · Substantial damage > The pilot reported that while flying in a southwesterly direction a gust of wind caused the nose of the aircraft to yaw to the right, which the pilot attempted to correct for as the aircraft neared the ground the pilot flared the helicopter the best he could.… - [Accident 20200602009229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20200602009229A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Fairfield, CA · Jun 2, 2020 · N65PJ · Substantial damage · 3 fatal > On June 2, 2020, about 1330 pacific daylight time, a Bell 206-L3, N65PJ, was substantially damaged during a human external cargo (hec) operation, in support of power line work.93 miles west of interstate 80 along soda springs road, between vacaville and… - [Incident 20191101020759I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20191101020759I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Lancaster, OH · Nov 1, 2019 · N327AE · Minor damage > 10/31/2019, Two air evac EMS inc. (evca)aircraft mechanics performed scheduled maintenance and inspections on aircraft N327AE at AE-101 located in Lancaster, OH. The snow baffles were installed during the maintenance event and the aircraft was inspected for a… - [Accident 20190123000339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190123000339A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Ashland, OR · Jan 23, 2019 · N8227J · Destroyed · 1 fatal > On 01/23/2019, a pilot was operating aircraft from mfr, home base, under part 91, building hours. While flying at approximately 62DEG heading, at low airspeed, the aircraft impacted large trees then dropped to steep heavily forested terrain. The aircraft was… - [Incident 20180529006349I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180529006349I.md): Bell 206 L-3 · Patterson, LA · May 29, 2018 · N512RL · Minor damage > Pilot did not notice the crane cable which was approximately 12 inches from the main rotor blades. Pilot drifted aft when picking up to a hover which caused a blade strike. NTSB will not be pursuing this matter any further per conversation with todd fox at… - [Accident 20171108018909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20171108018909A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Union City, TN · Nov 8, 2017 · N275AE · Substantial damage > *On 11/08/2017 at 1130 N275AE lifted from home base in troy, TN *The flight was a public relations flight for the 911 dispatch center in Union City, TN * The PIC made a high level pass of landing zone. * The PIC approached the landing zone. * The PIC touched… - [Accident 20170916020829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170916020829A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Ancho, NM · Sep 16, 2017 · N213TV · Destroyed · 1 fatal > On 9-16-2017 at 16:30 MST, a Bell 206-L3 helicopter, N213TV, registered to lin television corporation, while in cruise flight, was involved in a fatal accident. The aircraft was returning to albuquerque, NM from roswell, NM. No flight plan was filed. Flight… - [Accident 20151015020769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151015020769A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Dickinson, AL · Oct 15, 2015 · N206CJ · Substantial damage > Pilot had been conducting agricultural helicopter operations all day. On second to last pass, just as he was going to initiate left turn to reposition for the next pass and while at 75 -100 feet AGL, the pilot heard a loud pop sound. Pilot then experienced a… - [Accident 20150520007129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150520007129A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Kearny, NJ · May 20, 2015 · N210MH · Substantial damage > 5/20/2015: This FSDO received a call at approximately 1115 about an occurrence at the Kearny heliport (65NJ) involving a Bell 206L-3, s/n 51379, N210MH, operated by new york helicopter, inc. the helicopter was being leased from meridian helicopters LLC,… - [Accident 20150507006129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150507006129A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Chesterfield, MO · May 7, 2015 · N127AE · Substantial damage > During a training flight conducted at the Spirit of st. Louis airport (ksus), Chesterfield, Missouri, at approximately 1500 central daylight time, may 7, 2015, aircraft N127AE, Bell 206L-3, contacted a runway centerline light causing substantial damage to the… - [Incident 20150318002969I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150318002969I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Lexington, KY · Mar 18, 2015 · N282AE · No damage > March 18, 2015 at 1440 EDT N282AE, a 1991 Bell helicopter, 206L-3, sn 51452, owned and operated by air evac EMS, inc. made an uneventful precautionary landing in a field near the university of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. The pilot smelled something resembling… - [Accident 20140127000589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140127000589A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Silt, CO · Jan 27, 2014 · N207DS · Destroyed · 3 fatal > On 01/27/2014 a bht 206 L3 registration # N207DS being operated by delta bravo sierra, inc., the area of operation was the Silt, CO area. The purpose for the operation was power line survey. At or around 0700 the aircraft was inspected by a certificated… - [Accident 20131009020959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20131009020959A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Patterson, LA · Oct 9, 2013 · N54LP · Destroyed · 1 fatal > Pilot brought aircraft to a 10 foot hover, as he departed he flew parallel to the flare boom. Aircraft being in transitional lift attitude, a loud noise was heard, white smoke was coming from the engine exhaust. Aircraft lost power and descended towards… - [Accident 20130907016229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130907016229A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Amistad, NM · Sep 7, 2013 · N721LL · Destroyed > On September 7, 2013 @ 1600 MDT a Bell 206B L-3, registered to state of Illinois department of transportation hit the ground northeast of Amistad, new Mexico while on a ?public use? Flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight… - [Accident 20130628011389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130628011389A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Missoula, MT · Jun 28, 2013 · N868H · Substantial damage > On June 28, 2013, at 1230 MST, a Bell helicopter 206-L3, N868H, crashed while conducting a performance demonstration to the forest service. Visual meterological conditions prevailed at the time. The aircraft was substantially damaged, and the pilot was… - [Incident 20120504009409I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120504009409I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Homer, AK · May 4, 2012 · N307MH · Minor damage > 5/4/2012 - During a post flight inspection the maintenance person found the tail rotor blades damaged. The proper people were notified and corrective procedures were followed. The blades were removed and sent to the oem for inspection. 5/10/2012 - the oem… - [Accident 20120312003709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20120312003709A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Mar 12, 2012 · N104LP · Substantial damage > During attempted takeoff the aircraft rolled over onto right side. Main rotor blade struck the steel platform causing substaintial damage to aircraft. Pilot failed to complete a through preflight and left the right tie down attached to the aircraft. - [Accident 20111201028749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111201028749A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Wingate, NC · Dec 1, 2011 · N216TV · Substantial damage > Pilot [privacy data omitted] was demostrating a straight in autorotation in a clear grassy field. Pilot did not maintain proper control of the aircraft resulting in the aircraft contacting the ground. One of the two main rotor blades struck both left and… - [Accident 20110324005029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110324005029A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Boothville, LA · Mar 24, 2011 · N32041 · Substantial damage > At approximately 2155 zulu, N32041 took off from an oil platform located at main pass 61A. Approximately the same time as the aircraft's take off, the oil platform was venting gas from the platform's flare boom. The flare boom points in a easterly direction.… - [Incident 20110215001289I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110215001289I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tulsa, OK · Feb 15, 2011 · N285AE · Minor damage > Aircraft struck by bird on vertical fin. Pilot performed precautionary landing in field. - [Accident 20101208052209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101208052209A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Pahokee, FL · Dec 8, 2010 · N955GT · Substantial damage > FAA arrived at accident scene at approximately 1130 hrs. Palm beach sheriff was at the scene with the area secured. The pilot was not at the scene and was taken to the hospital. Inspection of the crash site revealed that the helicopter came in with forward… - [Accident 20100719040879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100719040879A.md): Bell 206L-3 · Wells, NV · Jul 19, 2010 · N3185A · Substantial damage > Pilot accomplished a toe in approach and landing to a rock ledge approximately 550 above the terrain to allow a rescue person with equipment to board the helicopter. After liftoff from the rock ledge, the helicopter entered a steep nose down attitude and… - [Incident 20100610036119I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100610036119I.md): Bell 206L-3 · Port O'Conner, TX · Jun 10, 2010 · N108PH · Substantial damage > The pilot departed Port o' connor TX. His intended destination was an oil and gas platform 50 NM offshore in the gulf of Mexico. Approximately 9 NM from his destination the pilot heard a "pop", and felt vibration. The nose of the aircraft tucked down and to… - [Accident 20090826051219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090826051219A.md): Bell 206L-3 · White Plains, NY · Aug 26, 2009 · N22ZA · Substantial damage > During an external start procedure of N22ZA with a ground power unit (gpu) the pilot failed to disconnect the ground power unit and attempted to takeoff into forward hover flight while still connected to the gpu. The helicopter came to a sudden stop the pilot… - [Incident 20090408004769I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090408004769I.md): Bell 206L3 · Vick, TX · Apr 8, 2009 · N295AE · Minor damage > (-23) On April 8, 2009, at approximately 0035 CDT, N295AE departed brady, Texas to transport a patient to san angelo, Texas. Twenty-five minutes into the flight inspection it was revealed the left vertical winglet on the horizontal stabilizer was missing… - [Incident 20071014023179I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20071014023179I.md): Bell 206L3 · Opelousas, LA · Oct 14, 2007 · N3108E · Minor damage > (-23) While executing a hovering autorotation, the pilot receiving instruction responded to the simulated emergency by applying excessive pitch and a rapid application of throttle. The check airman attempted to retard the throttle to prevent an over torque or… - [Accident 20070722016269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070722016269A.md): Bell 206L3 · Gulf Of Mexico, US · Jul 22, 2007 · N330P · Substantial damage > (-23) In accordance with [privacy data omitted], the pilot of aircraft N330P; during the takeoff phase from HI-138, an uncommanded left yaw occurred accompanied by a loss in altitude while still over the heli-deck. Pilot and passenger statements indicate that… - [Incident 20061117026099I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061117026099I.md): Bell 206L3 · LA · Nov 17, 2006 · N187AL · Minor damage > (-23) During cruise flight, bird struck aircraft, which destroyed passenger windscreen causing a loss of tailrotor thrust. Pilot landed aircraft in water without incident. - [Accident 20060810014959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060810014959A.md): Bell 206L3 · Salt Lake City, UT · Aug 10, 2006 · N206UH · Substantial damage > (-23) Pilot was hovering expecting a clearance to takeoff on a medical mission. Air traffic delayed clearance due to an inbound helicopter landing at the same ramp. The pilot did not realize that the helicopter was moving backward due to visual reference at… - [Accident 20060712012929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060712012929A.md): Bell 206L3 · Wheeler Peak, NM · Jul 12, 2006 · N44NM · Substantial damage > (-23) On July 12, 2006, at 1515 mdst, a Bell 206 L3, N44NM, registered to msi N44NM LLC and operated by news channel 4, impacted terrain while attempting to land in the Wheeler Peak wilderness area near Wheeler Peak, new Mexico, while on an electronic news… - [Accident 20060615010819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060615010819A.md): Bell 206L3 · Vernal, UT · Jun 15, 2006 · N265SH · Substantial damage > (-23) Pilot was operating out of a remote site at 7240 MSL with a density altitude of approx 9700 feet. There were five passengers on board and the aircraft was 40 pounds below max gross weight. The take off area was located in heavy sage brush with some… - [Incident 20060530013389I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060530013389I.md): Bell 206L3 · Grand Isle, LA · May 30, 2006 · N92MT > (-23) The pilot [privacy data omitted] landed his BH-206L-3 offshore on platform Grand Isle 43 aa and was found a few minutes later unconscious in the aircraft. He was removed and evacuated to our lady of the seas hospital in galliano, Louisiana where he was… - [Incident 20060318004309I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060318004309I.md): Bell 206L3 · Intercoastal Ci, LA · Mar 18, 2006 · N4180F · Minor damage > (-23) Pilot landed on VE-245 (petroleum platform in the gulf of Mexico) to pick up fuel. He parked his a/c facing north and on the east side of the landing platform (east side of the red line). After refueling and starting the a/c, he picked the a/c up into a… - [Incident 20060107000779I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060107000779I.md): Bell 206L3 · Norwood, MA · Jan 7, 2006 · N206PL · Minor damage > (-23) Instructor pilot [privacy data omitted] (PIC) was training pilot [privacy data omitted] on an upcoming 135-check ride for the BHT-206-L3. Upon completion of the training flight both pilots observed buckling damage to the tailboom. The damage was located… - [Accident 20051006024639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051006024639A.md): Bell 206L3 · Gulf Of Mexico, US · Oct 6, 2005 · N6560K · Destroyed > (-23) Aircraft departed from vermillion 408 enroute to pick up 2 passengers at vermillion 369, then to scott, Louisiana (main base). Company lost contact with aircraft at 1645C on 10/06/2005. On 10/11/2005, company has not found any part or parts of the… - [Incident 20050817023009I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050817023009I.md): Bell 206L3 · Gulf Of Mexico, TX · Aug 17, 2005 · N330P · Substantial damage > (-23) Helicopter vertical fin struck heliport safety fence during flare to land on an offshore oil platform located in mustang island, block A111, Gulf Of Mexico. Nearest city/state rockport, TX. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3/incidents.md?page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('1182108') ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3/incidents --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.