Bell 525 Flight-test Program on Hold | Aviation International News

Bell 525 Flight-test Program on Hold

Bell suspended the flight test program until it learns more about the cause of the July 6 crash of a flight-test vehicle.

The remaining Bell 525 test fleet, which includes FTV2 (in photo) and FTV3, have been grounded in the wake of the July 6 crash of FTV1 in Texas. Bell is continuing with all non-flight certification and program activities, but does "not have an estimate as to when flight testing might resume or the length of delay in certification or first deliveries.” (Photo: Bell Helicopter)

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

July 25, 2016

Bell Helicopter has halted the Bell 525 Relentless flight test program in the wake of the July 6 crash of a flight-test vehicle that killed two of the company pilots. The aircraft crashed at approximately 11:47 a.m. local time while on a test flight from the company's XworX facility in Arlington, Texas.

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