Preliminary information
On September 18, 2026, at 1018 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B-III, N50141, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Creswell, North Carolina. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.
According to the pilot, the helicopter was 40-50 ft above the ground on approach to land when he heard a “whooshing” noise and noticed the engine lost partial power and main rotor RPM had begun to decay. Subsequently, the helicopter landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom. The engine continued to operate after landing until it was shut down normally by the pilot.
The helicopter was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA347 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 18, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Creswell, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B-III
- N-number
- N50141
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.