Fatal NTSB investigations: Bell 206B
153 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Bell 206B. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1973 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 1974 | 1 |
| 1975 | 5 |
| 1976 | 4 |
| 1977 | 4 |
| 1978 | 6 |
| 1979 | 4 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
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"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ANC24FA089Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · King Salmon, AKThe pilot’s decision to initiate the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, failure to maintain helicopter control and subsequent impact with water.NTSB CEN24FA287Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBell 206 · Nashua, IAOn July 29, 2024 about 1330 central standard time, a Bell 206-B3 Helicopter, N94XA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nashua, Iowa. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…NTSB GAA24WA180Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Revelstoke BC, CanadaNTSB CEN23LA342Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Denison, IAThe pilot’s inflight distraction, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid wires.NTSB ERA22FA383Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · Whiteside, TNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the powerlines.NTSB CEN22FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · Livingston, TXThe pilot exceeding the yaw control capability of the helicopter for the flight conditions, resulting in a non-mechanical loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB CEN22FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · Perry, OKA loss of lateral control during a hover that resulted in an impact with terrain. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of lateral control could not be determined.NTSB ERA21FA130Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · St Thomas, CBA total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of two of the stage 3 compressor blades. Contributing to the failure of the compressor blades was the failure of maintenance personnel to inspect the compressor at the recommended interval for operation in…NTSB CEN20LA328Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Marathon, TXThe in-flight loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA20FA012Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · New Salem, NCThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in impact with a powerline.NTSB ERA19WA176Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · La Vega, Dominican RepublicNTSB WPR19FA109Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · Fort McDowell, AZThe separation of the main rotor head from the mast as a result of a sudden displacement of the cyclic stick during a low-G maneuver, leading to mast bumping. Contributing to the accident were the unsecure positioning of the flight test engineer’s laptop…NTSB CEN19FA024Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Uvalde, TXThe 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 ERA18LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Rio Grande, PRA total loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and hard landing.NTSB CEN17FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Galveston, TXThe 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 WPR16FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Honolulu, HIThe in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.NTSB CEN13WA329Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · San Luis Potosí, MexicoNTSB WPR13FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Shepherd, MTThe pilot’s loss of control while maneuvering during low-altitude operations due to sudden neurological impairment or incapacitation and the helicopter’s subsequent collision with power lines.NTSB WPR13GA128Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Eureka, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.NTSB WPR13FA119Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Acton, CAThe pilot's decision to conduct a flight in dark night conditions with an illuminated cockpit light that degraded his visibility and his ability to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering, which resulted in controlled flight into…NTSB CEN13FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Crowley, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the broadcast tower guy-wires.NTSB ERA12MA122Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Green Cove Springs, FLThe pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the pilot’s improper decision was his self-induced pressure to complete the trip.NTSB ERA12MA005Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · New York, NYThe pilot's failure to anticipate and correct for conditions (high gross weight, low indicated airspeed, and a right downwind turn) conducive to loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), which resulted in LTE and an uncontrolled spin. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN11FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Meeker, COThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from electrical power lines during the low-altitude flight.NTSB CEN11GA020Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Clarkson Valley, MOThe total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision-making, and his improper control inputs following the loss of engine power, which resulted in mast bumping and separation of the…NTSB WPR10GA097Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Auberry, CAThe pilot's failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.NTSB MIA07FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Nokomis, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water.NTSB CHI06FA173Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Walford, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines. The powerlines were a factor.NTSB DFW05FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Gulf of MexicoThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel calculations.NTSB DFW05FA086Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B-3 · Shelbyville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA05FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Bonifay, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a climb after takeoff and his continued descent which resulted in an in-flight collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the dark night.NTSB LAX04FA329Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · Kalaheo, HIThe pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of turbulent, reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of control of the helicopter. Contributing to this accident was…NTSB SEA04TA163Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Mead, WAThe reversal of the reel machine during a sock line pull which resulted in a loss of control while hovering out of ground effect. Factors were the failure of company management to develop adequate procedures for conducting sock line pulls, the inadequate…NTSB FTW04FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cushing, OKthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude flight, sun glare, and the static wires.NTSB LAX04LA249Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Mesa, AZthe pilot's failure to adequately clear the left skid of obstacles resulting in a dynamic rollover of the helicopter and collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the dark nighttime lighting conditions.NTSB SEA04LA005Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Swisshome, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering. The power line, mountainous terrain with high obstructions (thick trees and underbrush) and the operators failure to maintain a "hazard map" as indicated in their procedures manual…NTSB LAX03FA241Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Waialeale,Kauai, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance/altitude while descending over mountainous terrain, and his continued flight into adverse weather. Factors contributing to the accident were clouds and a low ceiling.NTSB ANC03LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Kingman, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from obstacles during cruise flight, which resulted in the helicopter striking a transmission line, and subsequently the ground.NTSB DEN02FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206BIII · Raton, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the static wire. Factors were the static wire, and the glaring sunlight condition.NTSB ATL02FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · N. Wilkesboro, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and clearance above obstacles, which resulted in a collision with power lines and subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB IAD01FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Baltimore, MDThe pilot's improper decision to maneuver in an environment conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and his inadequate recovery from the resultant unanticipated right yaw.NTSB FTW01FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Mineral Wells, TXthe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB FTW01FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBell 206B · High Island 116undetermined, missing aircraft.NTSB CHI00FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cottage Grove, MNUndetermined.NTSB MIA00FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Centreville, ALThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter's fuel system resulting in an in-flight loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of overboard porting of fuel when the airframe fuel filter was left in the 'drain and locked'…NTSB CHI99FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Custer, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent settling with power.NTSB LAX99FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Grand Canyon, AZThe failure of the flight crew to properly preflight the helicopter and to detect and remove accumulated snow from the engine inlets and plenum chamber. Factors in the accident were the clouded plenum chamber inspection window and the failure of preceding…NTSB FTW98FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Round Top, TXThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were fog, low ceilings, and trees.NTSB IAD98FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Sago, WVThe improper overhaul of the turbine governor by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of power.NTSB ANC97GA126Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell BH-206B · Dillingham, AKThe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's failure to activate the cabin heating system, the lack of an operable windshield defogger, the pilot's overconfidence in…