Accident: Bell 407
Nov 3, 2015 · San Antonio, TX
NTSB numberCEN16LA027Event id20151104X14945
- 0
- Fatalities
- 0
- Serious injuries
- 0
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Uninjured
Probable cause
The failure of the No. 3 tail rotor adapter and shaft due to a loss of torque on the retaining nut. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a requirement to inspect the tail rotor assembly for security in the helicopter manufacturer's maintenance manual and the operator's approved aircraft inspection program.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board. Record last changed Oct 28, 2026, 10:54 UTC.
Aircraft involved
- Aircraft
- Bell 407
- Registration
- N496AE
- Year built
- 1999
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rules
- Part 135: commuter and on-demand
- Defining event
- Maneuvering-hover Aircraft structural failure
Source: National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database. Counts only; Voydar holds no names.
Nearest airports
Airports with a Voydar profile closest to the recorded position. Proximity only.
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)0 nm (0 km) west
- Randolph Air Force Base (RND)10 nm (18 km) east
- Lackland Air Force Base (SKF)11 nm (20 km) south-west
This page restates the NTSB's public record. Injury figures are counts; Voydar does not hold or publish the names of anyone involved.