What happened
On December 13, 2025, at approximately 1345 CST, a Bell 505 helicopter, registration N865S, was involved in an accident near Divot, Texas. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 for personal use.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang above his head. This was followed by a partial loss of control characterized by shaking in the cyclic and uncommanded pitching of the aircraft. To avoid a landing in a nearby pond, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter over land to perform a forced landing. During the contact with the terrain, the helicopter rolled onto its left side, causing substantial damage to the main rotor system.
The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one minor injury to the passenger. There were no fatalities.