Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

February 3, 1998 · Bell 206B · N26EA

Miami, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 3, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N26EA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA070

The pilot stated that the helicopter was facing about 100 degrees with a known right crosswind. He increased collective pitch and the helicopter came off the ground left skid low. As he was applying right cyclic the helicopter encountered a gust and rolled over on its side. When asked what happened, the pilot stated he encountered dynamic rollover, and was not able to correct the situation before the helicopter rolled over.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of flight controls (cyclic) while attempting a takeoff to a hover, which led to an on-ground loss of control (dynamic rollover).

Full Narrative

On February 3, 1998, at about 1600 eastern standard time, a Bell 206B, N26EA, registered to Action Helicopters Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 sightseeing flight, crashed while attempting to pick up to a hover at Watson Island, Miami, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated the helicopter was facing about 100 degrees with a known right crosswind. He increased collective pitch and the helicopter came off the ground left skid low. As he was applying right cyclic he encountered a gust of wind, and the helicopter continued to roll over on its side. When asked what caused the accident, the pilot stated he encountered dynamic rollover, and was unable to take corrective action before the helicopter rolled over. Review of weather information obtained from Miami International Airport, for the time period of the accident, revealed no recorded record of turbulence, downdrafts, gusts, or windshear. A review of Advisory Circular 90-97, Helicopter Dynamic Rollover states, an increasing percentage of helicopter accidents are being attributed to dynamic rollover, a phenomenon that will without immediate corrective action, result in destruction of the helicopter and possible serious injury....During normal or slope takeoffs and landings with some degree of bank angle or side drift with one skid/wheel on the ground, the bank angle or side drift can place the helicopter in a situation where it is pivoting (rolling) about a skid/wheel which is still in contact with the ground. When this happens, lateral cyclic control response becomes more sluggish and less effective for a free hovering helicopter. Consequently, if a roll rate is permitted to develop, a critical bank angle (the angle between the helicopter and the horizon) may be reached where roll cannot be corrected, even with full lateral cyclic, and the helicopter will roll over onto its side. As the roll rate increases, the angle at which recovery is still possible is significantly reduced. The critical rollover angle is also reduced. The critical rollover angle is further reduced under the following conditions: a. Right side skid down condition; b. Crosswinds; c. Lateral center of gravity offset; d. Main rotor thrust almost equal to helicopter weight; and e. Left yaw inputs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EST
Nearest AirportWatson Island Int (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN26EA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · C-20-B · Turboshaft · 425
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data