# FAA incident reports: Bell 206L

A list on [Bell 206L](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l.md).

Matched to the registry by N-number and event date, newest first.

Page 1 of 2 · 58 reports

- [Accident 20240926014629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20240926014629A.md): Bell 206L · Fern Prairie, WA · Sep 26, 2024 · N9984K · Substantial damage
  > On September 26th the pilot was flying, from toutle, WA to boring Oregon single pilot, no cargo and 150 lbs of fuel. Around 4:00 pm the pilot experienced sudden onset severe/extreme main rotor vibration while in normal cruise flight at 1000 ft AGL and 95KTS.…
- [Incident 20180624008539I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180624008539I.md): Bell 206L · Andrews, SC · Jun 24, 2018 · N12EW · Minor damage
  > While flying approximately 20 feet above the black river, struck power lines crossing the river.
- [Accident 20160404021409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160404021409A.md): Bell 206L · Pigeon Forge, TN · Apr 4, 2016 · N16760 · Destroyed · 5 fatal
  > On April 4, 2016, about 1610 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206L, N16760, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The helicopter was operated by great smoky mountain helicopters, inc., doing business as, smoky…
- [Accident 20080304012159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080304012159A.md): Bell 206L · Nikolai, AK · Mar 4, 2008 · N404EH · Substantial damage
  > (-23) The helicopter was conducting a filming operation through a canyon, operating in close proximity to the terrain. During the flight the aircraft encountered gusty wind conditions. The wind conditions reduced the control effectiveness of the tail rotor,…
- [Accident 20050614033659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050614033659A.md): Bell 206L · New York, NY · Jun 14, 2005 · N78TD · Substantial damage
  > (-23) Helicopter apparently experienced rotor droop due to an over gross weight condition and high density altitude (hot humid day) that caused the aircraft to impact water.
- [Accident 20040929022539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040929022539A.md): Bell 206L · Belle Chasse, LA · Sep 29, 2004 · N34CA · Destroyed
  > (-23) The pilot pulled collective to slow helicopter, power decreased. Pilot looked at the gauges and noticed N2 and nr fell to 90%. Pilot ditched helicopter in the gulf of Mexico.
- [Accident 20011018036319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20011018036319A.md): Bell 206L · Anchorage, AK · Oct 18, 2001 · N400EH · No damage · 3 fatal
  > (-23) On 10/18/2001, PIC departed fire island with a Bell long ranger, L1, N400EH, with four passengers. PIC received a special VFR clearance to enter into the anc class b airspace. Statements from two surviving passengers stated that they were flying low…
- [Accident 19990810011679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990810011679A.md): Bell 206L · Cape Girardeau, MO · Aug 10, 1999 · N810F · Substantial damage
  > 1978 Bell 206L helicopter was taking off from a helo pad on the top of a building, but the APU cord had not been disconnected, the acft yawed, the cord disconnected, and the acft nosed over and landed on a street four stories below, other circumstances are…
- [Incident 19981119031429I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981119031429I.md): Bell 206L · Nov 19, 1998 · N34CA · Minor damage
  > Student pilot was practicing auto rotations in a Bell 206L helocopter and allowed the main rotor rmp to drop too low
- [Accident 19980518009909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980518009909A.md): Bell 206L · Arlington Heigh, IL · May 18, 1998 · N41BL · Destroyed · 4 fatal
  > Departed controlled flight. Impacted a residence garage. Strong gusty winds in area. (.4)a witness observed the helicopter fly over his apartment building within 100 feet. He watched the helicopter travel away from the building on a southwesterly heading in a…
- [Incident 19970217007019I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970217007019I.md): Bell 206L · Confluence, PA · Feb 17, 1997 · N36SH · Minor damage
  > Narrative: on sight investigation lead to the following; the aircraft made an emergency landing in the youghiogheny river due to tail rotor failure as the result of a wire strike. [privacy data omitted] Submission of this report closes this incident.
- [Incident 19960829031599I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960829031599I.md): Bell 206L · New York, NY · Aug 29, 1996 · N121NH · Minor damage
  > Narrative: arthur blaylock untied and turned the rotor blade on N121NH 90 degrees. When he released the rotor it dipped down on the other side of the aircraft into the plane of rotation of the rotor of another aircraft (N123NH) which was running at idle on…
- [Accident 19950306005819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950306005819A.md): Bell 206L · Biscayne Bay, FL · Mar 6, 1995 · N164BH · Substantial damage
  > Reported power loss on photo flight ditched in bay. No defects found. Possible main rotor RPM decay. Low and slow.
- [Accident 19950227002879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950227002879A.md): Bell 206L · Maryland Height, MO · Feb 27, 1995 · N970CC · Substantial damage
  > On takeoff engine lost power, aircraft settled to ground and rolled over onto its side. (-4)the pilot of a turbine powered helicopter said he began a hover about three feet above the ground, turned the helicopter into the wind, and initiated a takeoff.…
- [Accident 19940325006599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940325006599A.md): Bell 206L · Orlando, FL · Mar 25, 1994 · N16705 · Substantial damage
  > N2 turbine overspeed reported. Began to land. Engine quit too low for autorotation. Crashed. No anomalies found.
- [Accident 19930807027912A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930807027912A.md): Bell 206L1 · Tusayan, AZ · Aug 7, 1993 · N444CR · Destroyed
  > Waiting takeoff from hellipad rotors were struck by N38903 rotors that was hover taxiing to pad. Blamed wind gust.
- [Incident 19910628029149I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910628029149I.md): Bell 206L · Pigeon Forge, TN · Jun 28, 1991 · N16760 · Minor damage
  > Engines failed after lift off. Landed hard damaging tail boom. Suspect NR2 bearing failed.
- [Accident 19900210001809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900210001809A.md): Bell 206L · New York, NY · Feb 10, 1990 · N16664 · Substantial damage · 1 fatal
  > Settled and impacted east river during nose low forward flight to obtain translational lift.
- [Incident 19890825050279I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890825050279I.md): Bell 206L · Cidra, Puerto Rico · Aug 25, 1989 · N96AT · Minor damage
  > Tail rotor struck a pole at the walkway while making an approach to the landing area.
- [Accident 19881110050509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881110050509A.md): Bell 206L · St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands · Nov 10, 1988 · N16619 · Substantial damage
  > Engine failed on a photography flight while slowing to hover at 20 feet over water. No time for floats. Rolled over
- [Accident 19880916044959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880916044959A.md): Bell 206L · Lihue, HI · Sep 16, 1988 · N278KA · Substantial damage
  > Audio and low RPM light on approach. Autorotated to a hard landing. Seal vent valve pressure set too high.
- [Accident 19871014059649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871014059649A.md): Bell 206L · Trenton, NJ · Oct 14, 1987 · N16736 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter landed hard after inflight engine failure. Fuel flow switch from aft tank malfunctioned.
- [Accident 19870605081729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870605081729A.md): Bell 206L · Port Washington, NY · Jun 5, 1987 · N120RM · Substantial damage
  > Took off downwind,over gross weight,tot above limits and rotor RPM dropping. Crashed landed short of helipad.
- [Incident 19870531039279I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870531039279I.md): Bell 206L · Pigeon Forge, TN · May 31, 1987 · N16760
  > Sightseeing helicopter came too close to competitor on takeoff and landings.
- [Incident 19870513038559I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870513038559I.md): Bell 206L · New York, NY · May 13, 1987 · N49575 · Minor damage
  > The helicopter contacted main rotor blades of a parked helicopter on liftoff.
- [Accident 19870411009039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870411009039A.md): Bell 206L · Miami, FL · Apr 11, 1987 · N16780 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter impacted the ramp during hover. A non certificated pilot was attempting to steal the aircraft.
- [Accident 19851220065159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851220065159A.md): Bell 206L · Ainsworth, NE · Dec 20, 1985 · N110LG · Destroyed · 2 fatal
  > Struck ground at night after encountering freezing drizzle en route to pick up a patient. Ice on rotors possible.
- [Accident 19850520018519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850520018519A.md): Bell 206L · Duluth, GA · May 20, 1985 · N403DC · Destroyed · 1 fatal
  > Lifted off to 20 feet, started forward flight and main rotor hit lamp post. Impacted ground in small parking lot.
- [Incident 19850514027809I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850514027809I.md): Bell 206L · Galveston, TX · May 14, 1985 · N16751 · Minor damage
  > Loud noise from engine after takeoff. Landed with floats, boat towed aircraft to rig. Second stage compressor inop.
- [Accident 19850420077509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850420077509A.md): Bell 206L · Kailua, HI · Apr 20, 1985 · N478KA · Destroyed
  > Aircraft was forced to land in mauna loa crater during a sightseeing tour. Density altitude a factor.
- [Accident 19850309008779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850309008779A.md): Bell 206L · Dauphin Island, AL · Mar 9, 1985 · N16841 · Destroyed · 4 fatal
  > Departed into near zero IMC. Wreckage found indicates high speed water impact.
- [Incident 19831020069789I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831020069789I.md): Bell 206L · Freeport, TX · Oct 20, 1983 · N16760 · Minor damage
  > Tail rotor struck crawe cables at a hovering position. Trying to land on a heaving barge autorotated on to barge.
- [Incident 19821231067899I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821231067899I.md): Bell 206L · Wailua, HI · Dec 31, 1982 · N278KA · Minor damage
  > Pilot had engine flame out. Autorotation landing in field. Unable to duplicate reported flame out problem.
- [Accident 19820830043339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820830043339A.md): Bell 206L · Greenville, SC · Aug 30, 1982 · N403DC · Substantial damage
  > Tail rotor struck a heliport perimeter light on touchdown.
- [Accident 19820425015621A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820425015621A.md): Bell 206L · New York, NY · Apr 25, 1982 · N49575 · Minor damage
  > Started engine, rotors collided with another helicopter, N16696, with rotors idling while loading passengers.
- [Incident 19820326021429I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820326021429I.md): Bell 206L · Leeville, LA · Mar 26, 1982 · N16705 · Minor damage
  > Takeoff aborted when check pilot had no antitorque control when lifting to a hover.
- [Incident 19820324012439I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820324012439I.md): Bell 206L · Lihue Kauai, HI · Mar 24, 1982 · N278KA · Minor damage
  > Pilot hovered too close to parked helicopter whose rotors were turning with none aboard. Both main rotor tips hit.
- [Incident 19811022082599I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19811022082599I.md): Bell 206L · Ship Shoal Bloc, LA · Oct 22, 1981 · N16705 · Minor damage
  > Tailrotor blades struck safety fence on drilling tender helipad.
- [Incident 19810821050649I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810821050649I.md): Bell 206L1 · Scottsbluff, NE · Aug 21, 1981 · N517EH · Substantial damage
  > Engine losing power autorotation landing. Engine problem_unknown. Swash plate support broken PN206010452005.
- [Accident 19810807048179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810807048179A.md): Bell 206L · Leeville, LA · Aug 7, 1981 · N9973K · Destroyed
  > Took off into heavy rain and turbulence. Lost control, crashed in water. Water spouts, thunderstorms in area.
- [Incident 19801113084289I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19801113084289I.md): Bell 206L1 · Lihue, HI · Nov 13, 1980 · N478KA
  > Engine failed, pilot autorotated to a safe landing on a road. Metal chip detector light came on.
- [Incident 19800926080739I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800926080739I.md): Bell 206L · Venice, LA · Sep 26, 1980 · N9984K
  > Engine failed in cruise. Pilot autorotated to landing in the gulf. Fuel control oil pump failed.
- [Incident 19800914080759I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800914080759I.md): Bell 206L · Intracoastal Ci, LA · Sep 14, 1980 · N16776 · Minor damage
  > Pilot heard grinding noise, engine quit. Autorotated to the gulf. 3rd stage compressor failed.
- [Accident 19800506012679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800506012679A.md): Bell 206L1 · Gibson, LA · May 6, 1980 · N5017F · Destroyed · 1 fatal
  > Chip light on. Began return. Engine blew up. Caused cabin smoke, fire, airframe separation. Turbine wheel burst.
- [Incident 19800128019839I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800128019839I.md): Bell 206L · Salt Lake City, UT · Jan 28, 1980 · N110LG
  > Smoke in cockpit caused by disconnected main transmission oil line. Made precautionary landing.
- [Incident 19800104012049I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800104012049I.md): Bell 206L · Ogden, UT · Jan 4, 1980 · N110LG
  > Oil leaking into cabin air conditioning caused smoke. Broken cooling turbine. Airesearch pn 5719351 was replaced.
- [Incident 19791022054799I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19791022054799I.md): Bell 206L · Rock Springs, WY · Oct 22, 1979 · N110LG · Minor damage
  > Helicopter got too close to hospital entrance. Struck building with the tail rotor.
- [Incident 19781220020809I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19781220020809I.md): Bell 206L · Galveston, TX · Dec 20, 1978 · N16773
  > Engine quit, autorotated to water. Gear box scavenge part for #6 and #7 bearing stripped. Severe engine damage
- [Incident 19781105023589I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19781105023589I.md): Bell 206BELL · New York, NY · Nov 5, 1978 · N16664
  > Forced landing after transmission oil pressure light came on. Found cracked power takeoff shaft.
- [Accident 19781014033999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19781014033999A.md): Bell 206B1 · Rockville,In, IN · Oct 14, 1978 · N206M · Substantial damage

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l/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 ('1181522')
ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC
```

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

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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.
