# NTSB investigations: 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 2 · 93 investigations

- [NTSB ERA26LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA285.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tuscumbia, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2026 · N29AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to keep the tail rotor clear of an obstacle while attempting to land.
- [NTSB WPR26LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA086.md): Bell 206L-3 · Logsden, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 15, 2026 · N868H · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent entanglement of a long line with the skid, which resulted in a loss of flight control. Contributing to the accident was the use of nylon lines instead of steel cables to secure the bucket.
- [NTSB ERA25FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA005.md): Bell 206L-3 · Owenton, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 7, 2024 · N230AE · Destroyed
  > On October 7, 2024, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206L3+, N230AE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Owenton, Kentucky. The pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight medic were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated by Air Evac Life…
- [NTSB CEN24LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA259.md): Bell 206L-3 · Thorntown, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 8, 2024 · N206WX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the load hose was disconnected from the helicopter before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control after liftoff and a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA134.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2024 · N17592 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of collective control authority due to fatigue failure of the collective servo cylinder extension arms from corrosion pitting.
- [NTSB CEN24FA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA094.md): Bell 206 · Hydro, OK · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 21, 2024 · N295AE · Destroyed
  > The helicopter’s inflight collision with cackling geese, resulting in an inflight breakup.
- [NTSB CEN23LA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA350.md): Bell 206 · Carthage, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 6, 2023 · N288AE · Substantial damage
  > A collision with a fence during landing due to the crew’s reduced distance estimation and depth perception while using night vision goggles. Contributing to the accident was the low moon angle, which made viewing the fence more challenging.
- [NTSB ERA22LA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA347.md): Bell 206L-3 · Franklin, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2022 · N203PA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout while flying at a low level over a river, which resulted in a wire strike.
- [NTSB WPR22LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA031.md): Bell 206L-3 · Covelo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 28, 2021 · N27TK · Substantial damage
  > A passenger’s unsecured object departed the cabin resulted in a collision with the tail rotor drive shaft.
- [NTSB WPR21LA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA338.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tillamook, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 8, 2021 · N6516K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a powerline during a low reconnaissance, with sun glare.
- [NTSB CEN21LA432](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA432.md): Bell 206L-3 · Berlin, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 9, 2021 · N170AM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter with a stuck skid, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR21LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA133.md): Bell 206 · Lucerne Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 16, 2021 · N6133C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering with a tailwind, resulting in the helicopter spinning and colliding with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA163.md): Bell 206 · Fairfield, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2020 · N65PJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while conducting external load operations, which resulted in the main rotor contacting a wire and a subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR19LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA071.md): Bell 206 · Ashland, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 23, 2019 · N8227J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and spatial disorientation leading to a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA18LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA020.md): Bell 206 · Union City, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2017 · N275AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent slope landing and attempted recovery, which resulted in an incipient dynamic rollover, mast bumping, and separation of the main rotor.
- [NTSB CEN17FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA355.md): Bell 206L 3 · Ancho, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N213TV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's distraction by a cell phone during a low-altitude flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA16LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA015.md): Bell 206L 3 · Dickinson, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2015 · N206CJ · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation by company maintenance personnel of the securing hardware of a tail rotor driveshaft section, which resulted in that section of tail rotor driveshaft disconnecting and a complete loss of tail rotor thrust.
- [NTSB ERA15LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA218.md): Bell 206L-3 · Kearny, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 2015 · N210MH · Substantial damage
  > The deliberate concealment and reuse of an unairworthy tail rotor driveshaft by unknown personnel, which resulted in an overstress separation at a bonded flange adapter as a result of driveshaft imbalance.
- [NTSB CEN15LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA229.md): Bell 206L 3 · Chesterfield, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2015 · N127AE · Substantial damage
  > The collision of the helicopter's skid shoe with the runway centerline light during landing, which abruptly stopped the helicopter and resulted in damage to the fuselage.
- [NTSB CEN14FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA122.md): Bell 206L 3 · Silt, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2014 · N207DS · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning for a low-level aerial surveillance flight of power transmission lines, which led to his being unaware of the crossing power line while flying toward the sun and his subsequent failure to maintain sufficient clearance…
- [NTSB CEN14FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA004.md): Bell 206L 3 · Venice, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2013 · N54LP · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the liberation of a second stage turbine blade near the blade root due to a high-cycle fatigue crack and subsequent overload. Although extensive testing and materials analysis was performed, the reason for crack initiation…
- [NTSB CEN13TA535](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13TA535.md): Bell 206L-3 · Amistad, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Sep 7, 2013 · N721LL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to arrest the descent following an abrupt maneuver to avoid birds, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR13LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA303.md): Bell 206L-3 · Missoula, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2013 · N868H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to prevent the helicopter from settling with power and to maintain proper position relative to an external load, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN12CA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA191.md): Bell 206L-3 · Southern Timbalier 52CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 12, 2012 · N104LP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection when he did not remove a tie-down strap prior to takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB ERA12CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA095.md): Bell 206L-3 · Wingate, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 1, 2011 · N216TV · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor did not select an adequate landing site for the practice autorotation.
- [NTSB CEN11LA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA252.md): Bell 206L-3 · (Gulf of Mexico) · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 2011 · N32041 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to an engine compressor stall as a result of ingesting methane gas during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA11CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA082.md): Bell 206L-3 · Canal Point, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2010 · N955GT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue.
- [NTSB WPR10LA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA359.md): Bell 206 · Wells, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2010 · N3185A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering after departure from mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN10IA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA314.md): Bell 206L-3 · Gulf of Mexico · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2010 · N108PH · Minor damage
  > A suspected failure of the tail rotor for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure of the emergency floats to properly inflate due to improper installment and inspection by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB ERA09CA485](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA485.md): Bell 206L-3 · White Plains, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 26, 2009 · N22ZA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to disconnect the ground power unit prior to takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN09IA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09IA254.md): Bell 206 · Vick, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2009 · N295AE · Minor damage
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB NYC08FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA071.md): Bell 206L-3 · Cherokee, AL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2007 · N109AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during an out-of-ground-effect hover. Contributing to the accident was a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB DFW07LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA169.md): Bell 206L-3 · High Island 138 · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2007 · N330P · Destroyed
  > The loss of control as result of the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA06CA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA161.md): Bell 206L-3 · Salt Lake City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2006 · N206UH · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance by allowing the helicopter to drift backwards, resulting in its tail rotor striking a hangar.
- [NTSB DEN06LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA096.md): Bell 206L-3 · Taos, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2006 · N44NM · Substantial damage
  > the loss of tail rotor effectiveness during landing, and the pilot's delayed remedial action to counteract a right yaw, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to perform…
- [NTSB SEA06LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06LA121.md): Bell 206L · Vernal, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2006 · N265SH · Substantial damage
  > The loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an attempted precationary landing after a takeoff over uneven, sloping, brush-covered terrain. Factors include the pilot using the wrong performance chart while completing his preflight performance calculations, the…
- [NTSB DFW06IA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06IA145.md): Bell 206L-3 · Grand Isle 43AA · Incident · 1 fatal · Incident investigation · Final report · May 30, 2006 · N92MT · No damage
  > The pilot's incapacitation and death due to pre-existing cardiac disease.
- [NTSB DFW06FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06FAMS1.md): Bell 206-L3 · Gulf of Mexico · Accident · 3 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Oct 6, 2005 · N6560K · Destroyed
  > Undetermined. The aircraft is missing.
- [NTSB DFW05CA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA213.md): Bell 206L · Gulf of Mexico · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 17, 2005 · N330P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a stationary object while landing.
- [NTSB CHI05GA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05GA198.md): Bell 206L-3 · Justice, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 26, 2005 · N741LL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision while maneuvering which resulted in a tailwind during low airspeed helicopter flight and subsequent loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The struck sign and fence were factors in the accident.
- [NTSB CHI05CA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA156.md): Bell 206L-3 · Algonac, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 24, 2005 · N311JX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining helicopter control, the loss of tail rotor effectiveness he encountered, and his not maintaining clearance from objects during the approach. Factor were the low altitude, the transmission lines, and the garage.
- [NTSB DFW05LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA074.md): Bell 206L-3 · Cameron, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2005 · N512RA · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to a blocked and collapsed fuel nozzle screen, resulting from a contaminated fuel source/facility. Factors were the inadequate maintenance/inspection of fuel sources, and the lack of suitable terrain (high sea state) for the forced landing…
- [NTSB LAX04LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA216.md): Bell 206L-3 · Palmdale, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 2004 · N2019F · Substantial damage
  > The momentary loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB FTW04LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA088.md): Bell 206L-3 · W. Cameron 149 · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2004 · N81SP · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the emergency floats not being deployed.
- [NTSB FTW04FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA007.md): Bell 206L-3 · W. Cameron 509 · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2003 · N81671 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms, the low ceilings, and the miscommunication between the pilot and the company's communication center in…
- [NTSB CHI03FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA259.md): Bell 206L-3 · E.I. 276, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2003 · N41128 · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and the directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during takeoff. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the planned approach to position the helicopter with a crosswind in order to…
- [NTSB LAX03GA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03GA244.md): Bell 206L-3 · Whiteriver, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Jul 26, 2003 · N6184D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a minimum translational lift airspeed while maneuvering in high density altitude conditions at near maximum required torque and above the in ground effect hover altitude, that resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and…
- [NTSB DEN02LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02LA101.md): Bell 206L-III · Canon City, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2002 · N43GA · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of a static wire, and the subsequent loss of aircraft control due to the main rotor pitch change tubes being severed.
- [NTSB NYC02LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA083.md): Bell 206-L3 · New York, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 2002 · N19TD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare while landing, which resulted in a collision with a concrete curb.
- [NTSB FTW02LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA102.md): Bell 206L-3 · Oakley, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2002 · N30YB · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3/ntsb.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 c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c."mKey" = a.case_mkey
WHERE a.aircraft_model_code IN ('1182108')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3/ntsb

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