2 fatalities

Helicopter Strikes Cableway Cable in Austrian Mountains, Two Killed

Totes Gebirge, Austria

On February 8, 2008, a Bell 206B operated by Aerial Helecopter Leopold Reidinger was involved in an aviation accident near Totes Gebirge, Austria. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

On February 8, 2008, a Bell 206B helicopter struck a cableway cable and crashed in the Totes Gebirge region, resulting in a post-crash fire and the death of both occupants.

Accident

On February 8, 2008, at 0830 UTC, a Bell 206B helicopter, Austrian registration OE-XRH, serial number 2795, was destroyed when it struck a cableway cable while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain near Totes Gebirge, an 8,251-foot mountain located approximately 45 miles east of Salzburg, Austria. A post-crash fire ensued, consuming the cabin. The two persons on board were killed in the crash. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.

Investigation

The investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian government, specifically the Federal Office of Transport, Accident Investigation Branch/Department of Aviation. Further information may be obtained from:

Federal Office of Transport Accident Investigation Branch/Department of Aviation P.O. Box 3000 Lohnergasse 9 A-1210 Vienna Austria

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Feb 2008 Bell 206B accident near Totes Gebirge, Austria?

On February 8, 2008, a Bell 206B helicopter struck a cableway cable and crashed in the Totes Gebirge region, resulting in a post-crash fire and the death of both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Feb 2008 Bell 206B accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Feb 2008 involved a Bell 206B, operated by Aerial Helecopter Leopold Reidinger, at Totes Gebirge, Austria.