Eurocopter EC 130 B4 — registry & accident history
Compiled from FAA & NTSB records · as of Jul 25, 2026
There are 209 Eurocopter EC 130 B4 airframes on record (built 2001–2012), 154 currently registered. 17 have one or more NTSB accident records (17 records total, 4 with a fatal highest-injury classification). Data as of Jul 25, 2026.
Recent Eurocopter EC 130 B4 accidents
The pilot's loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to entering a vortex ring state condition, which resulted in a hard landing.
The pilot’s improper decision to approach the airport and enter a low altitude hover with a gusting quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a turn at a low altitude.
The pilot's entry into vortex ring state and his inability to arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering for landing.
A loss of control due to the fatigue fracture of a tail rotor fenestron blade due to the geometry of the water drain hole positioning on the rib.
A loss of tail rotor effectiveness, the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control, and collision with terrain during an approach to land in gusting, tailwind conditions in an area of potential downdrafts and turbulence.
A loss of engine power due to the failure of the manufacturer to reinstall the oil filter after it was removed for inspection, which led to coke pollution that obstructed the oil jet and resulted in the subsequent oil starvation of the axial compressor rear bearing oil and its subsequent failure.
The ground crewman’s failure to hold onto the passenger door while the main rotor was still rotating, which resulted in the door separating from the helicopter and damaging the main rotor.
The pilot's abrupt cyclic/pitch attitude control movement, which resulted in a Fenestron ground strike.