Preliminary information
On December 13, 2025, about 1345 central standard time, a Bell Helicopter 505, N865S, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Divot, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff, a loud “bang” was heard in an area above his head. He experienced a partial loss of control as the cyclic began to shake, and the helicopter began to pitch uncommanded. During the loss of control, the helicopter was over a pond, so he maneuvered back over land for a forced landing. During the forced landing and contact with terrain, the helicopter rolled onto its left side sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system.
The helicopter was retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 13, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Divot, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell Textron Canada Ltd 505
- N-number
- N865S
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2022
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.