01-Oct-12 C-GTPG Bell 206B Sudbury, Canada
01-Oct-12
Contacted the ground during a sharp turn while spraying, causing the helicopter to crash. The pilot (the sole occupant) suffered minor injuries. The helicopter reportedly was substantially damaged. CADAORS ref 2012O2922
Bell to balance military cuts with civil expansion in Amarillo
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Sep-12
Bell have announced that building the new 525 Relentless in Amarillo will add 100 jobs. However, the military is looking at defence cuts, and it is feasible that this will mean workers transferring from military work to civilian. A reduction in force can also not be ruled out – Bell are just waiting to see [...]
Travis County to purchase firefighting UH-1H
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Sep-12
Travis County in Texas has announced it will buy a military-surplus Bell UH-1H primarily for fighting wildfires. The helicopter will undergo a full refurbishment and fit-out as soon as the purchase order is signed. It would be expected to become operational in 3-6 months thereafter. The County already operates three EC145s for air ambulance and [...]
Vertex Aerospace awarded $27M for TH-57 fleet support
Source: US DoD, 28-Sep-12
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $27,293,685 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for logistics services support of the TH-57 aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include repair and/or overhaul of aircraft, engines, avionics and related components. Funds will not be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed at Naval Air [...]
Bell awarded $20M delivery order for Cobra parts repair/overhaul
Source: US DoD, 28-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $19,637,400 for delivery order #7002 under previously awarded contract (N00383-11-D-012N) for the repair of 12 gearbox assemblies, 12 Cobra main rotor hub assemblies, 60 Cobra main rotor blades, 11 right hand stub wings, and 10 left hand stub wings required to support the H-1 helicopter. Work [...]
Bell to feature 429 at Jet Expo in Moscow
Source: Bell, 28-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the seventh annual Jet Expo in Moscow, held September 27-29 at Vnukovo-3 Business Aviation Terminal. Bell Helicopter will have a strong presence as an exhibitor, with a Bell 429 in corporate configuration on static display. Bell Helicopter will highlight the power and [...]
Korea requests 36 AH-1Z Cobras – package value $2.6 Billion
Source: DSCA, 28-Sep-12
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Korea for 36 AH-1Z COBRA Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of 36 [...]
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police upgrades with Becker Digital Airborne Intercom
Source: Becker Avionics, 27-Sep-12
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Aviation unit recently selected the Becker DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control panel system for their two Bell 407 helicopters. Wysong Enterprises Inc. in Blountville, TN completed an extensive avionics and mission equipment upgrade for both aircraft during the summer prior to the CM aviation unit’s demanding operations supporting the Democratic National Convention [...]
Bell receives Gold Stevie® award for marketing Campaign of the Year
Source: Bell, 26-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), and its exhibit partner Global Experience Specialists (GES) were recognized at the American Business Awards (ABA) for Bell Helicopter’s “Bell 525 Relentless” launch with a Gold Stevie® Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year in the Aerospace and Defense category. The award was presented at the 10th annual ABA new product [...]
25-Sep-12 PT-HSN Bell 206B Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
25-Sep-12
Very heavy landing – main blades appear completely intact. All 4 POB injured, two seriously
23-Sep-12 Bell 430 Belem, Brazil
23-Sep-12
Main blades clipped pole while in low-level hover-taxi. From photos, this could well be PR-YRG (49084) but that is not confirmed
Bell showcase 429 at Monaco Yacht Show
Source: Bell, 21-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the Monaco Yacht Show 2012. Bell Helicopter will display a Bell 429 aboard one of the largest yachts afloat in Port Hercules with exclusive access for attendees. Bell Helicopter will have a significant presence at the Monaco Yacht Show, September 19-22, with [...]
Wysong adds new equipment to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police 407s
Source: Wysong Enterprises, 20-Sep-12
The Democratic National Convention may be over, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will continue to experience the effects of it being held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Wysong Enterprises, Inc. was tasked with providing essential modifications and installations to their fleet of Bell 407 helicopters for protection during the convention. “We have performed many installations and [...]
Huey donation provides new training possibilities at Crisis City
Source: Kansas Adjutant General, 20-Sep-12
The morning air was filled with the thumping of CH-47 Chinook blades as it sling-loaded a UH-1 Huey helicopter to the Crisis City’s training ground Sept. 6, near Salina, Kan. Provided on permanent loan to Crisis City by the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry [...]
First LongRanger L4 arrives for Nigerian College of Aviation Technology
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Sep-12
First first of two Bell 206L4 LongRangers has arrived in Lagos for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology – serial 52421 and still carrying registration N449XB. This aircraft is currently registered to Africair Inc and is expected to be cancelled by the FAA shortly and will take up local registration 5N-BZB. A second L4 is [...]
Concorde Battery announces certified replacement battery for LongRanger
Source: Concorde Battery, 19-Sep-12
Concorde Battery is pleased to announce certification of the higher capacity RG-224 for the Bell LongRanger. Concorde’s sealed lead acid recombinant gas (RG®), absorbed glass mat (AGM) RG-224 is a 24Ah battery designed for improved performance and longer life in demanding applications. Many users are getting superior performance with the current 17Ah RG-222 however, the [...]
Simplex STC allows fire helicopter to transport passengers
Source: Simplex Aerospace, 19-Sep-12
Simplex Aerospace has received FAA STC for a hover refill pump storage latching system, called the Aft Hook™. The Aft Hook™ allows firefighting helicopter operators to store the 5″ hover pump during flight and deploy the pump upon arrival at a water fill source. When installed on a Simplex Fire Attack system equipped helicopter, the [...]
19-Sep-12 N222GR Bell 206 Mammoth Lakes, US-California
19-Sep-12
Tail rotor struck ground. Helicopter had been working on powerlines at the time of the accident. Helicopter caught fire and burned out – also causing a 1.5 acre brush fire
19-Sep-12 Bell 206 Lethbridge, Canada
19-Sep-12
Struck power cables on climb out of field. The severed cables caused a small fire. Helicopter landed very heavily on its skids, starboard skid low CADAORS ref 2012C4146
Nigerian Police add two more Bell 412s
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Sep-12
The Nigerian Police have recently added two more Bell 412EPs to bring their fleet of the type to six. Serials 36576 and 36577 – test flown as N455ZT and N4554L – arrived last week in Lagos after shipment across the Atlantic. Both aircraft are shown on the FAA register as 2011 builds and have yet [...]
Bell innovators honoured with Lawrence D. Bell Awards
Source: Bell, 18-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced 18 employee winners of the 2012 Lawrence D. Bell Pioneer Award for innovation leadership. With this recognition, four Bell Helicopter teams will advance to the final stage of the Textron competition for the Chairman’s Award for Innovation. The Chairman’s Award honors employees whose exemplary innovations have led [...]
18-Sep-12 XC-ZIT Bell 407 Lake Zirahuen, Mexico (1F)
18-Sep-12
Crashed into lake after contacting zip wire which spans the lake. One drowned (named as Daniel Segundo Martinez), four survived. Helicopter was being used to capture video footage of the lake for use on a television program
18-Sep-12 F-GHYS Agusta-Bell 47G-2 Basse-Pointe, Martinique
18-Sep-12
Tail rotor contacted crop during agricultural operations, pilot lost control and helicopter crashed. Aircraft destroyed.
CareFlight welcomes Aviation Australia partnership
Source: Australian Aviation, 16-Sep-12
RACQ CareFlight Rescue has welcomed a partnership with Aviation Australia what will see the Queensland non-profit reimbursed for $15,000 per year worth of underwater escape training at Aviation Australia’s Brisbane Airport facility. (see full story)
Mohawk Valley Community College Aviation Training Center adds OH-58
16-Sep-12
Students in the aircraft technician training program learn their trade on a variety of aircraft, including a Boeing 727, Cessna 150, 175 and 310, and 150, and a Piper Aztec and Cherokee 140. And now a OH-58 helicopter has been added (see full story)
15-Sep-12 C-GZNF Bell 212 Batman, Turkey
15-Sep-12
Helicopter was subject to small arms fire from the ground and was badly damaged. Four of the nine passengers sustained gunshot related injuries. CADAORS ref 2012C4147
Bell continues momentum in Europe
Source: Bell, 14-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), continues to increase its sales and customer support activities in Europe delivering seven aircraft and signing nine contracts within the last three months, as well as launching Bell 407GX and Bell 429 flight demonstration tours, and gaining EASA approval for a new customer support facility. “Bell Helicopter [...]
Bell is one of eight “America’s Safest Companies”
Source: EHS Today, 14-Sep-12
EHS Today announced today that eight companies – ABB Inc., BASF Corp., Bell Helicopter, General Cable, Honeywell International Inc. – Honeywell Aerospace, Life Technologies, Ordnance and Management Solutions – URS, and Total Safety – have been named the 2012 America’s Safest Companies. Combined, the 2012 America’s Safest Companies employ more than 100,000 employees and contractors [...]
Bell 429 skids – Legal case goes back to court
Source: Law360, 14-Sep-12
The Federal Circuit has recently allowed Textron Innovations Inc. to pursue its patent suit against Eurocopter over the design of the Bell 429′s skids, overturning a lower court ruling it said misinterpreted the application outlined by the patent. (see full story) See also the HeliHub.com story filed 31-Jan-12 Bell and Eurocopter decide to behave like [...]
SAM, Inc. adds LongRanger for Airborne LiDAR
Source: SAM, Inc, 13-Sep-12
Surveying And Mapping, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Corporate Aircraft Solutions, LLC, also know as Oasis Services, for the exclusive use of a rotary wing aircraft as a platform for airborne LiDAR deployment. The aircraft, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, is based near SAM, Inc. headquarters in Austin, Texas and will allow the company [...]
First Bell 407GX delivered for tourism
Source: Bell, 11-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of two 407GX aircraft to Helicopter Flight Services, Inc., a New York based company offering tours, charters, aerial photography, lift work and custom projects. Helicopter Flight Services is the first to operate a Bell 407GX in a sightseeing capacity. Helicopter Flight Services operates [...]
09-Sep-12 N5745Y Bell 206L.1 Grand Canyon, US-Arizona
09-Sep-12
Lost power and forced to land in a field. Main blades hit tail boom
Huey moves into Wings of Eagles Discovery Center
Source: Star Gazette, 07-Sep-12
It will be a few weeks yet before the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center is open to the public at its new location. But museum officials want to let people know that more than a year after they had hoped to reopen, that long-anticipated date is almost here. (see full story) File photo
06-Sep-12 Bell 407 Hibbing, US-Minnesota
06-Sep-12
Night bird strike, cracking search light housing. Landed safely
Tiger Tugs launches new version for Bell 429
Source: Tiger Tugs, 05-Sep-12
Tiger Tugs announces the introduction of their new model 8.0B helicopter transporter. The new Tiger Tug Model 8.0B is specifically designed for the Bell 429. Special outrigger arms reach out and down to gently lift the 429 using the ground handling wheel bolts. With our unique wireless remote control system, you can maneuver your helicopter in tight [...]
05-Sep-12 Bell OH-58D Puli Alam, Afghanistan (2F)
05-Sep-12
“An ISAF helicopter has crashed in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in two ISAF fatalities. We are investigating,” a spokesman for NATO’s U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force said. The two casualties were later named as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jose L. Montenegro Jr., 31, of Houston, Texas, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thalia S. Ramirez, 28, of [...]
Research Report – World’s 5 Leading Helicopter Manufacturers
Source: Research and Markets, 04-Sep-12
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6h46ws/worlds_5_leading) has announced the addition of the ”World’s 5 Leading Helicopter Manufacturers – Strategic Initiatives, Developments & Focus – Q1-Q3 2012 – Eurocopter, Bell, AgustaWestland, Sikorsky, Boeing” report to their offering. This report will be useful for… Comprehensive Strategic & Competitive Assessment of these 5 Key Industry Players Identification & Analysis of Imminent Market Opportunities [...]
04-Sep-12 A6-FTB Agusta-Bell 206B Al Ain, UAE
04-Sep-12
Substantially damaged in training accident. The Instructor and student were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and were later released with minor injuries.
Paraguay Police UH-1H acquisition declared “irregular”
Source: Defensa.com, 03-Sep-12
The National Public Procurement of June 12 this year has been declared illegal by the Paraguay Government. The award made to Proibérica of $15M for three Bell UH-1H for the National Police is at the centre of the controversy (read full story, electronic translation)
EFW awarded $38M for AH-1W Helmet Display Tracking System
Source: US DoD, 03-Sep-12
EFW, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $38,283,186 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to provide hardware, support equipment, and non-recurring engineering in support of the Helmet Display Tracking System (HDTS) on the AH-1W helicopters. This contract includes cabling (P-Kits), fixtures, tooling, and non-recurring engineering associated with modifying the helmet design, adding moving map and other [...]
Bell awarded $59M more for OH-58 “A to D” upgrade program
Source: US DoD, 03-Sep-12
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a $59,036,571 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide modification of an existing contract in support of the OH58-A to OH58-D Cabin Conversion Program. Work will be performed in Hurst and Amarillo, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2014. One bid was solicited, with one [...]
31-Aug-12 N11SP Bell 407 Kanona, US-New York
31-Aug-12
State Police Trooper/pilot Trooper Thomas A. Shultz, 41, was injured in a very heavy landing after “he experienced an in-flight mechanical emergency.” Photo shows skids splayed out after landing in a wooded area
Bell Helicopter Named #1 in Product Support
Source: Bell, 30-Aug-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been named number one in product support in Aviation International News’ 2012 Product Support Survey for the seventh consecutive year. Bell Helicopter topped the scores in nine of 10 categories surveyed and strengthened its position by 4% from 2011. Consistently named the industry leader in customer [...]
30-Aug-12 F-GHYS Agusta-Bell 47G-2 Ajoupa-Bouillon, Martinique
30-Aug-12
Emergency landing after loss of engine power while on agricultural operations
Aero-Smith Chosen by Bell to Support Product in Singapore
Source: Aero-Smith, 29-Aug-12
Aero-Smith, Inc. is very pleased to announce that it has been chosen by Bell Helicopter to support their product in Singapore. Aero-Smith will be tasked with providing flight training, maintenance training and new aircraft acceptance flights in Singapore and throughout eastern Asia in support of Bell Helicopter. Bell Helicopters has a support system for their [...]
Strategic Venture to Serve Bell Helicopter Network Announced
Source: Cadorath Group, 29-Aug-12
Cadorath Group and Meridian Aviation Consulting LLC have joined forces to establish Meridian Helicopters LLC. The new venture will focus on providing reworked parts distribution support as well as consulting, brokering and technical support for the global Bell Helicopter network. “Our goal is to be the most trusted and valued parts supply chain partner in [...]
Florida’s Lee County suspends EMS operations for 6-9 months
Source: Lee County, 29-Aug-12
Aeromed has relocated its emergency medical helicopter from LaBelle to Fort Myers as of 10 a.m. today to provide coverage in Lee County while MEDSTAR is out of service. Lee County Emergency Medical Services temporarily suspended its MEDSTAR flight operations on Tuesday, August 21 to begin reconfiguration toward national accreditation standards. MEDSTAR is expected to [...]
29-Aug-12 VT-TBA Bell 206B Godrha, India
29-Aug-12
Helicopter landed with considerable forward speed and cartwheeled over its nose on landing – indicating skids possible dug into ground. Helicopter destroyed but all 5 POB (including spiritual leader Asaram Bapu) safely exited with only minor injuries
HMLA-269 transitions to UH-1Y
Source: US Marine Corps, 28-Aug-12
Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 gained proficiency in the new UH-1Y “Venom” Hueys by practicing flying and landing in confined areas aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 9. The UH-1Y is the newest model of the Huey, and is commonly referred to as the ‘Yankee’ for the letter ‘Y’ in its [...]
Bell delivers first EMS 429 in Europe
Source: Bell, 28-Aug-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the delivery of the first Bell 429 configured for emergency medical services (EMS) in Europe to Air Zermatt in Switzerland. Air Zermatt, in need of a rugged and reliable aircraft for rescue missions, selected the Bell 429 for its unmatched ability to operate at high [...]
27-Aug-12 N503DR Bell OH-58C Escalon, US-California
27-Aug-12
Pilot Bill Cavanaugh, was taken to San Joaquin General Hospital following crash on agricultural operations. His son told a TV station that his father had over 20,000 hours of flying experience
26-Aug-12 N282AE Bell 206L3 Dickson, US-Tennessee
26-Aug-12
Safe night emergency landing made in sports field after bird strike caused 24 inch diameter hole in windshield
25-Aug-12 Bell 214 Sardasht, Iran (4F)
25-Aug-12
Helicopter crashed about 6 miles from the Iraqi border in northwestern Iran. Four killed – one Revolutionary Guard member and three crew members. Bell 214 as a type is not fully confirmed
24-Aug-12 N407N Bell 407 Abingdon, US-Virginia (1F)
24-Aug-12
Crashed into lake shortly after take-off around 10.20pm – after dropping off six passengers at helicopter owner’s home. Sole occupant pilot was named in local press as Bill R. Starnes, 64 (see obituary)
FAA rules block heavier Bell 429
Source: Helihub.com, 20-Aug-12
It is unlikely to have slipped the attention of most industry observers that Bell is seeking to get the gross weight of the Bell 429 increased from 7,000 to 7,500 pounds. In fact they have been quite vociferous about it, issuing a new press release seemingly every time another country agrees, often without even a [...]
19-Aug-12 ZS-HIW Bell 206B Douglas, South Africa
19-Aug-12
Loss of control landing in strong winds – main blades hit building
18-Aug-12 N118EC Bell 206B San Juan, Puerto Rico
18-Aug-12
Lack of fuel. The helicopter landed hard and the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom, forward of the tail rotor assembly.
“Friends of Henry 1″ launched to support Sonoma Sheriff’s Bell 407
Source: Friends of Henry 1, 15-Aug-12
Launched by a cross-section of Sonoma County professionals in early 2012, Friends of Henry 1 seeks to ease budget challenges which threaten the continuation of Henry 1, the North Bay Region’s rescue helicopter program, operated by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Friends of Henry 1 actively seeks public and private donors to keep this vital [...]
Little Rock Police re-introduce helicopters after 9 years
Source: Arkansas Matters, 15-Aug-12
The City of Little Rock is bolstering it’s police force with yet another crime-fighting tool. The department is re-introducing it’s helicopters to deter crime from above. (see full story). Although the report does not mention the helicopter type, HeliHub.com research notes that the city Police Department has had two Bell OH-58s – registered N900PD and [...]
PKL Services wins $16M USMC contract
Source: US DoD, 15-Aug-12
PKL Services, Inc.*, Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $16,079,221 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-09-C-0023) to exercise an option for organizational level maintenance on the following Marine Corps aircraft platforms: AH-1W, UH-1N, CH-53D/E, and CH-46E. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (48 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent); Iraq/Afghanistan (22 percent); [...]
Brazil certifies BLR Aerospace’s FastFin on B204, 205 and 212
Source: BLR Aerospace, 15-Aug-12
The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has certified the FastFin® Tail Rotor Enhancement and Stability System for installation and flight on Bell 204, 205 and 212 helicopters. ANAC certification for BLR’s Bell 412 FastFin system is forthcoming. Brazilian operators of these Bell medium helicopters may now join their worldwide counterparts in realizing significant performance [...]
Boeing establishes simulator-based training for Kiowa flight instructors
Source: Boeing, 14-Aug-12
Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has installed a Helicrew simulator at the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre in order to enhance the capabilities of BDA flight instructors. The Helicrew allows BDA Qualified Flying Instructors to further hone and test their training procedures through a variety of simulated situations. Helicrew is designed to [...]
National Airways delivers first Bell 407GX in Africa
Source: Bell, 13-Aug-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that National Airways Corporation, a Bell Helicopter independent representative, delivered the first Bell 407GX to be operated in Africa. The 407GX will be operated by a private customer in a corporate capacity. “The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the helicopter industry,” [...]
China approves the Bell 429
Source: Bell, 13-Aug-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has received its airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the Bell 429. The certification follows the first complete assembly and successful flight testing of a 429 at a CAAC 145 service facility. “We are very excited to see [...]
13-Aug-12 N28AE Bell 206L3 Burnet, US-Texas
13-Aug-12
Tail rotor struck wire on approach after crew were distracted by vehicle on ground potentially entering landing zone. Landed without further incident
07-Aug-12 N409SB Bell 214ST Avalon, US-Texas
07-Aug-12
Landed in a field and rolled onto its side. Helicopter was on a test flight – reportedly for development of the main rotor system for the Bell 525 Relentless
05-Aug-12 N429PH Bell 407 San Antonio, US-Texas
05-Aug-12
Damaged skid and had to make emergency landing on mattresses to minimise damage
04-Aug-12 XC-SSP Bell 407 Tlaxco, Mexico
04-Aug-12
B407 carrying the Secretary of Public Security of Veracruz, Arturo Bermudez Zurita, and the Undersecretary Jose Nava Holguin, made a forced landing. Pilot was Alfonso Diaz Pineda
Ahlers to supply Dual Tachometer for Bell 407
Source: Ahlers Aerospace, 03-Aug-12
Ahlers Aerospace has been selected by Bell Helicopter as the supplier of the Dual Tachometer for the Model 407. Ahlers designs and manufactures new instruments and electronic devices for the aviation industry. Ahlers is also a certified repair station for instruments and accessories. For more information contact Ahlers at 972-567-9852 or visit our website at www.ahlersaerospace.com
First Bell 429 in Western Europe goes to Air Zermatt
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Aug-12
Swiss operator Air Zermatt has taken delivery of the first Bell 429 to be registered in Western Europe – the 67th production example and now flying as HB-ZSU. Painted all red, the helicopter has a hoist fitted to the starboard side and would thus be used for mountain rescues. In Eastern Europe there are already [...]
