NTSB investigations: Bell 206B, TX
70 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 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1975 | 1 |
| 1977 | 1 |
| 1978 | 4 |
| 1979 | 1 |
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
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.\"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"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."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" 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 CEN25LA396Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Archer City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock.NTSB CEN22LA219Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Cameron, TXThe flight crew not maintaining lateral control of the helicopter during hovering operation which resulted in a dynamic rollover.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 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 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 CEN18LA290Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Todd Mission, TXThe 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 CEN18LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Groom, TXThe 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 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 CEN15LA423Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Woodville, TXThe 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 CEN15LA002Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Woodsboro, TXThe 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 CEN14LA465Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Spring, TXThe 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 CEN14LA296Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Decatur, TXThe flight instructor’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB CEN14CA098Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206B · Temple, TXThe pilot's loss of control while landing on a mobile helipad.NTSB CEN12LA258Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Amarillo, TXThe 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 CEN12LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Irving, TXA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.NTSB CEN11LA646Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Spicewood, TXThe pilot did not maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low-altitude maneuvering flight.NTSB CEN11LA023Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Newton, TXThe pilot’s attempted takeoff with the fuel hose attached to the helicopter and the pilot and ground crew’s failure to accurately communicate.NTSB DFW07LA111Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Horseshoe Bay, TXThe 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 DFW05LA123Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Huffman, TXThe pilot's inadequate preflight and his failure to disconnect the external load cable prior to takeoff.NTSB DFW05FA086Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B-3 · Shelbyville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW05LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pinehurst, TXThe flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB FTW04TA075Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell 206B · Decatur, TXThe 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 FTW03LA197Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Mason, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line. A contributing factor was the sunglare.NTSB LAX03LA183Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Malone, TXa fuel starvation induced loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB FTW03LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Hurst, TXThe improper flare by the pilot receiving instruction, which resulted in the hard landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.NTSB FTW03LA080Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Putnam, TXthe 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 FTW02LA143Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Rosenberg, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.NTSB FTW02LA117Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Walnut Hill, TXThe 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 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 FTW01LA038Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B3 · Hurst, TXthe 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 FTW01LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Rockport, TXthe 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 FTW99LA076Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206-B3 · Sabine Pass, TXThe 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 FTW98LA260Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Corpus Christi, TXThe 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 FTW98LA235Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206BIII · Hurst, TXThe pilot's delayed recovery from a simulated autorotative landing.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 FTW97LA364Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B2 · Anahuac, TXthe 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 FTW93LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pearland, TXPilot'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 FTW93FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Austin, TXAircraft control not maintained by pilot in command. Factors were unfavorable winds and pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB FTW93TA#03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 206B · Dallas, TXNTSB FTW92GA080Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 206B III · Falfurrias, TXThe 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 FTW91LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Freeport, TXThe 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 DEN91FA068Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B-3 · Houston, TXEngine mount delamination and lack lubrication, causing the drive shaft to fail. Poor servicing of the helicopter was a related factor.NTSB FTW90LA083Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pearland, TXDynamic rollover resultant from improper takeoff techniques used by the rated pilot, and inadequate supervision by the company check pilot.NTSB FTW89LA174Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206BII · Grand Prairie, TXThe pilot's decision to execute an abrupt maneuver while hovering downwind, which led to a reduction in rotor RPM and subsequent hard landing.NTSB FTW88LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pearland, TXThe 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 FTW87FA198Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pledger, TXWhile 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 FTW87LA068Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · New Braunfels, TXAcft 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 FTW86LA130Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Conroe, TXThe 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 FTW86FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pine Spring, TXThe 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 FTW86FA033Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Port O'Connor, TXThe 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…