FAA Enforces Emergency Order on Bell 505 Helicopters Due to Safety Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2026-05-51 for certain Bell Model 505 helicopters. This action comes in the wake of the discovery of a critical safety issue that could potentially lead to a total loss of control.
The emergency order, which was issued on March 6, 2026, specifically targets Bell 505 helicopters with serial numbers 65011 and subsequent. These helicopters are equipped with specific ballast box assemblies.
Effective from April 16, 2026, the FAA directive necessitates an immediate revision of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual. This revision is to prohibit the use of ballast weights within the aft movable ballast box assembly. The emergency action was instigated by Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2026-12 after Bell discovered possible plastic deformation and improper pin engagement in the door hinge knuckles of the aft movable ballast box assembly.
The FAA stated in its directive, “This AD was prompted by a failure of the hinge assembly on the aft movable ballast box assembly, which could allow the ballast weights to escape the ballast box and strike the tail rotor assembly.” Such a failure could result in loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
The Bell 505, which entered service in 2017, has become a popular choice for training, law enforcement, and private operations. As of 2025, over 500 units have been produced.
Source: Federal Register – Airworthiness Directives: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters