# NTSB investigations: Bell 407

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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## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ERA12FA527](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA527.md): Bell 407 · Abingdon, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2012 · N407N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to make a low-level departure over water in dark night conditions without lights, which resulted in controlled flight into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to a vestibular…
- [NTSB CEN12IA518](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12IA518.md): Bell 407 · San Antonio, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2012 · N429PH · Minor damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tower guy wire during the approach to a helipad at night.
- [NTSB CEN12LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA242.md): Bell 407 · Aberdeen, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2012 · N509MT · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of two turbine engine blades due to vibration.
- [NTSB WPR11LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA056.md): Bell 407 · Riverdale, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2010 · N408UH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a highway marker sign while maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA10TA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10TA261.md): Bell 407 · Abingdon, VA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 11, 2010 · N31VA · Substantial damage
  > The improper repair of an engine component by a repair facility, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the repair facility to recognize that an improper repair had been accomplished, which allowed…
- [NTSB OPS10IA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OPS10IA132.md): Boeing 737-7H4 · Houston, TX · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2010 · N242WN · 2 aircraft · No damage
  > The failure of the local controller to issue control instructions necessary to ensure positive control/standard separation of traffic operating within the Class B airspace.
- [NTSB CEN09CA604](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA604.md): Bell 407 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 23, 2009 · N6040Y · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN09CA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA275.md): Bell 407 · High Island 138 · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2009 · N164RL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windsock during the approach.
- [NTSB CEN09CA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA203.md): Bell 407 · Lancaster, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 27, 2009 · N2592T · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and the failure of the CFI to provide appropriate instruction during the maneuver.
- [NTSB DEN08MA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08MA116.md): Bell 407 · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 7 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N407GA · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Both helicopter pilots’ failure to see and avoid the other helicopter on approach to the helipad. Contributing to the accident were the failure of N407GA’s pilot to follow flight arrival route guidelines, and the failure of N407MJ’s pilot to follow…
- [NTSB DEN08FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08FA101.md): Bell 407 · Huntsville, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2008 · N416PH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB DFW08IA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08IA045.md): Bell 407 · Hig Island A595 · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2007 · N407AK · No damage
  > The loss of tail rotor effectiveness for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DFW07IA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07IA184.md): Bell 407 · Gulf of Mexico · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2007 · N433PH · No damage
  > Fatigue failure of the power turbine outer shaft for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC07FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA048.md): Bell 407 · Dagsboro, DE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2006 · N407JJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to depart under visual flight rules into night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the fog and the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB SEA07FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA014.md): Bell 407 · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2006 · N407KH · Substantial damage
  > On-speed failure of the second stage turbine wheel as the result of engine oil starvation. The lack of maintenance oversight was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB DFW05FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA040.md): Bell 407 · Ship Shoal 130E · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2004 · N976AA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a stationary object while maneuvering for landing. Contributing factors were the inadequate facilities available for landing, the pilot's lack of information regarding the landing area, and the operational status…
- [NTSB SEA04MA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04MA167.md): Bell 407 · Battle Mountain, NV · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2004 · N2YN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to take the direct route over mountainous terrain, the dark night conditions, and the pressure to complete the mission induced by the…
- [NTSB CHI04MA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04MA182.md): Bell 407 · Newberry, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2004 · N503MT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of fog conditions. A contributing factor was inadequate weather and dispatch information relayed to the pilot.
- [NTSB FTW04LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA117.md): Bell 407 · Hurst, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2004 · N407BP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's excessive flare prior to touchdown during the practice autorotation which resulted in the tailboom stinger striking the ground. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay to take remedial action.
- [NTSB FTW04FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA097.md): Bell 407 · Pyote, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2004 · N502MT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with adverse weather, which resulted in the pilot failing to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and planning, and the pressure to…
- [NTSB NYC04CA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA049.md): Bell B407 · Morehead, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2003 · N508MT · Substantial damage
  > The ground personnel's failure to identify the hazardous condition. Factors were blowing snow and night conditions.
- [NTSB FTW04FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA029.md): Bell 407 · High Island 573 · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2003 · N457PH · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to the failure of the 3rd stage turbine wheel and subsequent catastrophic failure of the turbine assembly.
- [NTSB FTW04IA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04IA023.md): Bell 407 · Eugene Is. 27 · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2003 · N405PH · Minor damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the failure of the 3rd stage turbine wheel and subsequent catastrophic failure of the turbine assembly.
- [NTSB FTW03TA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03TA156.md): Bell 407 · Franklin, LA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 19, 2003 · N991SP · Substantial damage
  > The loss of tail rotor effectiveness due to the inadequate maintenance performed by other company personnel.
- [NTSB FTW03FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA148.md): Bell 407 · Gulf Of Mexico · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2003 · N491PH · Substantial damage
  > The short circuit of the C321capacitor in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that resulted in a single-point failure of the ECU's -15V power supply which disengaged/reverted the Hydro-mechanical Unit (HMU) from automatic to manual fuel control. Factors…
- [NTSB FTW03FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA118.md): Bell 407 · Broadus, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2003 · N175PA · Destroyed
  > The partial loss of engine power due to erratic fuel flow metering to the engine resulting from the single point failure of the PLA potentiometer in the hydro-mechanical fuel control unit. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain to execute a…
- [NTSB FTW03FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA117.md): Bell 407 · Houma, LA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 2003 · N501PH · Substantial damage
  > The loss of tail rotor drive and anti-torque control resulting from the fracture and separation of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the overtemperature and subsequent failure of the #5 hangar bearing.
- [NTSB FTW03FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA097.md): Bell 407 · Mi 700 · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2003 · N407HH · Destroyed
  > The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to brief the passengers on emergency safety equipment (life raft), the pilot's…
- [NTSB NYC02TA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02TA026.md): Bell 407 · Whitley City, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Nov 12, 2001 · N11HX · Substantial damage
  > The pilots decision to operate the helicopter at an airspeed in excess of the maximum demonstrated stable airspeed for the water bucket. A factor in the accident was the pilot did not follow the published emergency procedure.
- [NTSB CHI01LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA145.md): Bell Helicopter 407 · Schoolcraft, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2001 · N5259N · No damage
  > The pilot rated passenger failed to maintain clearance with the rotor blades as he exited the helicopter.
- [NTSB FTW01FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01FA115.md): Bell 407 · Vermillion 44 · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 4, 2001 · N917AL · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft coupling due to fatigue.
- [NTSB DEN01LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA060.md): Bell 407 · Jackson, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2001 · N9HE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate lateral and vertical clearance during landing. Factors were the clouds and snow-covered high terrain.
- [NTSB FTW01FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01FA043.md): Bell 407 · Gilchrist, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2000 · N407MM · Destroyed
  > The loss of control for reasons undetermined.
- [NTSB SEA00WA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00WA135.md): Bell 407 · Golden, Canada · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jul 12, 2000 · N409KA · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ATL00LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL00LA058.md): Bell 407 · Lake Placid, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 2000 · N234BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to establish/maintain a safe rate of descent during approach to landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's incorrect altimeter (Kollsman) setting, smoke, and dark night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX00LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA156.md): Bell 407 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2000 · N175PA · Substantial damage
  > The failure and subsequent disintegration of the oil cooler fan forward hanger bearing.
- [NTSB NYC99GA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99GA197.md): Bell 407 · Georgetown, DE · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 17, 1999 · N97SP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper preflight evaluation of the weather, which resulted in inadvertent flight into IMC. Factors were the fog, and night conditions.
- [NTSB FTW99FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA001.md): Bell 407 · Vermilion 331 · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1998 · N403PH · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > the failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft during cruise flight. Factors were the failure of both pilots to use a known safety advisory recommendation and the failure of both operators to implement the recommendation as a company…
- [NTSB FTW98FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA068.md): Bell 407 · Littleton, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1997 · N771AL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure from a landing zone. Factors were dark night conditions, bright lights in the landing zone which prevented…
- [NTSB FTW97FA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA352.md): Bell 407 · Grand Isle S108 · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1997 · N467PH · Substantial damage
  > The tail rotor blade strike(s) that severed the aft portion of the tailboom, subsequently rendering the pilot with no tail rotor control while in cruise flight. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced autorotative landing.

## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('1182206'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=1182206&page=2

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