FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Failure Leads to Hard Landing on Final Approach (N16814)

Corpus Christi, TX, US

On June 7, 1998, a Bell 206B (registration N16814) was involved in an aviation accident near Corpus Christi, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the tail rotor drive shaft due to the separation of a bolt at one of the drive shaft disc couplings for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach, a helicopter experienced a loud snapping sound followed by loss of tail rotor control. The pilot performed an autorotation, resulting in a hard landing on a grassy field. Examination revealed fractured drive shaft segments and missing bolt.

Accident Sequence

The helicopter was on final approach to landing when, at an altitude of approximately 45 to 50 feet above ground level, the pilot heard a loud snapping sound. This was immediately followed by a loss of tail rotor control. The pilot initiated an autorotation, and the helicopter subsequently landed hard on a grassy staging field before coming to a stop upright.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed that two segments of the tail rotor drive shaft had fractured. Additionally, one of the two bolts connecting the aft end of one of the fractured segments to a disc coupling (Thomas Coupling) was missing. The missing bolt was not recovered; however, a nut and two beveled washers were found on top of the tail boom beneath the driveshaft. Examination of the remaining bolt showed evidence of fretting, wear, and deformation limited to the last two and a half threads.

Maintenance Records

Review of the helicopter's maintenance records indicated no entries documenting removal of any tail rotor drive shaft segments in the two years preceding the accident.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1998 Bell 206B accident near Corpus Christi, TX?

During final approach, a helicopter experienced a loud snapping sound followed by loss of tail rotor control. The pilot performed an autorotation, resulting in a hard landing on a grassy field. Examination revealed fractured drive shaft segments and missing bolt.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 1998 Bell 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1998 involved a Bell 206B, registration N16814, at Corpus Christi, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the tail rotor drive shaft due to the separation of a bolt at one of the drive shaft disc couplings for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10306. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.