Bell 205A-1
Aircraft Manufacturer: Bell
Model: 205A-1
Aircraft Details
| Manufacturer | Bell |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Serial Number | 1181414 |
| Model | 205A-1 |
| Category | Land |
| Aircraft Type | Rotorcraft |
| Cruise Speed | 103 MPH / 90 knots |
| Weight | Class 1 (Up to 12,499 lbs gross take off weight) |
| Engine Type | Turbo-shaft |
| Number of Engines | 1 engine |
| Number of Seats | 15 seats |
Share your captured photos of the Bell 205A-1, receive attribution and a link. Safety Analysis
Composition of NTSB accident records for this model in general-aviation operations (FAR Part 91 and 137), based on NTSB data as of May 1, 2026. It's a breakdown of recorded accidents rather than a safety rating, and types with significant non-GA operation (such as Part 135) may be under-represented.
Total recorded general-aviation accidents within the analyzed period.
No fatalities recorded.
Active aircraft fleet size contributing to the exposure data.
789 (± 121)
Aircraft-years of FAA registration exposure (2008–present).
Accidents by year
Recorded NTSB general-aviation accidents per calendar year, derived directly from the NTSB accident database. Each bar shows the accidents that occurred in that year. Methodology →
Phase of flight
Which phase of flight each accident occurred in, as coded by the NTSB. Most accidents happen in the phases where most flying time is concentrated, so this isn't a measure of which phase is most dangerous.
Finding category
Top-level NTSB cause category, from the coded investigation findings. An accident often has more than one finding, so totals here can exceed the recorded accident count.
Injury severity
NTSB classification of the worst injury in each accident: None, Minor, Serious, or Fatal. Each accident counts in exactly one severity.
Recorded Accidents
The one recorded NTSB general-aviation accident for this model.
| Date | Location | Tail | Damage | Highest injury | Phase of flight | Finding categories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Cajon, CA | N502HQ | Substantial | None | Emergency descent | Not determined |
Airworthiness Directives
Composition of FAA airworthiness directives (ADs) that apply to this model, as of October 15, 2026. ADs are mandatory FAA-issued corrective actions for safety-of-flight issues. Pilots, owners, and operators should always verify against the current FAA AD listing before any maintenance or flight action. Methodology →
14 active · 16 total airworthiness directives issued against this model · most recent:
Directives by year
Count of airworthiness directives issued against this model per calendar year (publication date in the Federal Register). Includes both active and superseded directives. An active AD still applies; a superseded one was replaced by a later AD.
Directives by system / component (JASC / ATA code)
Breakdown of the AD count for this model by the FAA's coded subject classification. The corpus mixes legacy 2-digit ATA chapter codes and modern 4-digit JASC codes; both forms are surfaced as separate bars (see the methodology page).
Recent directives
The most recent airworthiness directives applicable to this model, by effective date. A Superseded badge means a later AD has replaced this one; we still list the original so it isn't lost from the page.
| AD number | Effective date | Subject | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
2024-17-02 |
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters | Active | |
2024-16-01 |
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.), Helicopters | Active | |
2022-06-03 |
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters | Active | |
2022-02-02 |
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters | Superseded | |
2021-15-51 |
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters | Active |