# NTSB investigations: Bell 206B, TX

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

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## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA396](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA396.md): Bell 206 · Archer City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2025 · N565VA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock.
- [NTSB CEN22LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA219.md): Bell 206B · Cameron, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2022 · N27574 · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew not maintaining lateral control of the helicopter during hovering operation which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB CEN22FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA086.md): Bell 206B · Livingston, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 30, 2021 · N8AU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeding the yaw control capability of the helicopter for the flight conditions, resulting in a non-mechanical loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN20LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA328.md): Bell 206 · Marathon, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2020 · N284S · Destroyed
  > The in-flight loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN19FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA024.md): Bell 206 · Uvalde, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2018 · N417WT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's controlled flight into terrain during night visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot improper decision to inhibit the helicopter's terrain warning systems and flight at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN18LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA290.md): Bell 206 · Todd Mission, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2018 · N352CT · Substantial damage
  > The passenger’s inadvertent interference with the tail rotor pedals, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control during takeoff and the subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN18LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA020.md): Bell 206B · Groom, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2017 · N60EA · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter with minimum fuel on board.
- [NTSB CEN17FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA100.md): Bell 206B · Galveston, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 2017 · N978RH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to recognize the flight had encountered instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in an unrecognized descent and collision with water.
- [NTSB CEN15LA423](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA423.md): Bell 206B · Woodville, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2015 · N648CA · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel tanks and the operator’s inadequate inspection of the fuel supply truck that did not detect water…
- [NTSB CEN15LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA002.md): Bell 206B · Woodsboro, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2014 · N49746 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to recognize and correct for flight conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a rapid, uncommanded right yaw and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN14LA465](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA465.md): Bell 206B · Spring, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2014 · N866H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's distraction by a cell phone call, which led to his failure to perform an exterior check of the helicopter and resulted in a tie-down strap remaining attached to the main rotor during the engine start.
- [NTSB CEN14LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA296.md): Bell 206B · Decatur, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2014 · N536T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN14CA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA098.md): Bell 206B · Temple, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 2, 2014 · N400XL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control while landing on a mobile helipad.
- [NTSB CEN12LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA258.md): Bell 206B · Amarillo, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2012 · N2068X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during landing in gusty wind conditions associated with a thunderstorm, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN12LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA141.md): Bell 206B · Irving, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2012 · N555NB · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.
- [NTSB CEN11LA646](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA646.md): Bell 206B · Spicewood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2011 · N3181J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low-altitude maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB CEN11LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA023.md): Bell 206B · Newton, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2010 · N499BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s attempted takeoff with the fuel hose attached to the helicopter and the pilot and ground crew’s failure to accurately communicate.
- [NTSB DFW07LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA111.md): Bell 206B · Horseshoe Bay, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 2007 · N905WP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control as result of dynamic rollover while attempting to takeoff. Facrots were the landing skid becoming snagged and the soft terrain.
- [NTSB DFW05LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA123.md): Bell 206B · Huffman, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 2005 · N276M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and his failure to disconnect the external load cable prior to takeoff.
- [NTSB DFW05FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA086.md): Bell 206B-3 · Shelbyville, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2005 · N85BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DFW05LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA066.md): Bell 206B · Pinehurst, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2005 · N8040T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB FTW04TA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04TA075.md): Bell 206B · Decatur, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Feb 18, 2004 · N16MV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during liftoff after encountering dynamic rollover. A contributing factor was the rough and uneven terrain.
- [NTSB FTW03LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA197.md): Bell 206B · Mason, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2003 · N9877Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line. A contributing factor was the sunglare.
- [NTSB LAX03LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA183.md): Bell 206B · Malone, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2003 · N242TK · Substantial damage
  > a fuel starvation induced loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB FTW03LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA147.md): Bell 206B · Hurst, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2003 · N81519 · Substantial damage
  > The improper flare by the pilot receiving instruction, which resulted in the hard landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB FTW03LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA080.md): Bell 206B · Putnam, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2003 · N115TV · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to properly interpret and confirm a faulty tachometer instrument indication and his improper flare during the ensuing precautionary autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Also causal was the failure of the tachometer.
- [NTSB FTW02LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA143.md): Bell 206B · Rosenberg, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 12, 2002 · N717NH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.
- [NTSB FTW02LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA117.md): Bell 206B · Walnut Hill, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2002 · N513FD · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power as a result of the backing off of the PC air line "B" nut due to the improper installation by the company maintenance personnel. Contributing factors were the inadequate preflight by the pilot and the lack of suitable terrain for the…
- [NTSB FTW01FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01FA048.md): Bell 206B · Mineral Wells, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2001 · N152AL · Substantial damage
  > the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB FTW01LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA038.md): Bell 206B3 · Hurst, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2000 · N8240G · Substantial damage
  > the flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the practice hydraulic off run-on landing. Contributing factors were the gusty wind conditions, and the non-breakaway runway edge light.
- [NTSB FTW01LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA036.md): Bell 206B · Rockport, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2000 · N222LM · Substantial damage
  > the loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the fatigue fracture of the compressor coupling adapter. A contributing factor was the high sea condition existing for the forced landing.
- [NTSB FTW99LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA076.md): Bell 206-B3 · Sabine Pass, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 1999 · N907CA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent spatial disorientation. Factors were the dark night conditions, the fog, and the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight.
- [NTSB FTW98LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA260.md): Bell 206B · Corpus Christi, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1998 · N16814 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tail rotor drive shaft due to the separation of a bolt at one of the drive shaft disc couplings for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB FTW98LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA235.md): Bell 206BIII · Hurst, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1998 · N206TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed recovery from a simulated autorotative landing.
- [NTSB FTW98FA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA167.md): Bell 206B · Round Top, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 1998 · N7734A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were fog, low ceilings, and trees.
- [NTSB FTW97LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA364.md): Bell 206B2 · Anahuac, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1997 · N59396 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inability to maintain control of the helicopter after encountering a dynamic rollover due to entanglement of the external load cable with the left landing gear skid.
- [NTSB FTW93LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA228.md): Bell 206B · Pearland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1993 · N16814 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's failure to maintain proper rotor RPM, the delayed flare, and improper touchdown. Factors were total failure of the power turbine due to oil starvation to the #8 bearing assembly.
- [NTSB FTW93FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93FA137.md): Bell 206B III · Austin, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 1993 · N2205X · Destroyed
  > Aircraft control not maintained by pilot in command. Factors were unfavorable winds and pilot's lack of recent experience.
- [NTSB FTW93TA#03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93TA%2303.md): Bell 206B · Dallas, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Mar 16, 1993 · N3211N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW92GA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92GA080.md): Bell 206B III · Falfurrias, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Mar 3, 1992 · N3201R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to his ability to maintain an adequate visual lookout being restricted. Factors were the observer's delay in informing the pilot of the rearward drift and the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB FTW91LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA121.md): Bell 206B · Freeport, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 1991 · N16962 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor RPM during the autorotation. Factors were the fuel exhaustion induced power loss due to the pilot's improper pre-flight inspection.
- [NTSB DEN91FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA068.md): Bell 206B-3 · Houston, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 1991 · N717NH · Destroyed
  > Engine mount delamination and lack lubrication, causing the drive shaft to fail. Poor servicing of the helicopter was a related factor.
- [NTSB FTW90LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA083.md): Bell 206B · Pearland, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 1990 · N5016F · Substantial damage
  > Dynamic rollover resultant from improper takeoff techniques used by the rated pilot, and inadequate supervision by the company check pilot.
- [NTSB FTW89LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA174.md): Bell 206BII · Grand Prairie, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1989 · N995KP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to execute an abrupt maneuver while hovering downwind, which led to a reduction in rotor RPM and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB FTW88LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA153.md): Bell 206B · Pearland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1988 · N16962 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter was at 300 feet AGL, making an approach after a maintenance test flight, when the engine overtemped and engine power was lost. During the autorotation landing, the helicopter touched down hard. The acft eng began to decelerate prior to…
- [NTSB FTW87FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87FA198.md): Bell 206B · Pledger, TX · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1987 · N33PW · Substantial damage
  > While cruising at 900' AGL, the plt noted a hvy shudder flwd by a grinding noise, loud 'bang' & a low rotor RPM signal. He made an autorotation to a road, but drg touchdown, the main rotor blades flexed dwn & severed the tail boom. An exam revealed the main…
- [NTSB FTW87LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA068.md): Bell 206B · New Braunfels, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1987 · N1082Z · Substantial damage
  > Acft had been parked in an open field and when the plt returned he noticed that the left skid had sunk into the mud. After eng start and run up, the plt attempted to takeoff with right cyclic applied to un-stick the left skid. The acft lifted off with a right…
- [NTSB FTW86LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA130.md): Bell 206B · Conroe, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1986 · N352AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot reported that he lost tail rotor control during the transition part of the takeoff. As the helicopter rotated to the right, the pilot reduced power and pulled in collective before impact. Examination of the tail rotor showed no evidence of any tail…
- [NTSB FTW86FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA085.md): Bell 206B · Pine Spring, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1986 · N27785 · Destroyed
  > The helicopter was on a flt to a site nr guadalupe pass, an area known for erratic & gusty wnds. As the plt was on an apch to a hi meadow (elev aprx 5460'), the helicopter entered a dscnt & crashed well short of the intended lndg area. A witness rprtd the…
- [NTSB FTW86FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA033.md): Bell 206B · Port O'Connor, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 1986 · N520EH · Destroyed
  > The helicopter sustained a loss of tailrotor drive on lift off. A bonding in a shaft coupling failed. Extensive research and analysis discovered no discrepancies in design, production, quality assurance, maintenance or operating environment that could have…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=1181511&state=TX&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_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'TX' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('1181511'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=1181511&state=TX

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