N427DL
Bell 427
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
3 Hours
Duration of Flight
394 NM
Range
140 MPH
Max Speed
Gallery
Basic Information
Airframe
Data valid as of 2025-11-26| Date | From | To | Flight Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-03-14 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ✓ Landed |
| 2012-03-13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ✓ Landed |
AI Summary
Bell 427
Overview
Originally registered in the United States to Bell Helicopter Textron (N427DL) from late 2002; registration cancelled and aircraft exported to Nigeria in January 2005 and re-registered as 5N-POL with the Nigeria Police Air Wing. The helicopter was destroyed in a fatal accident on 2012-03-14.
Specifications
- Engines: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207D (710 lbf each)
- Range: 394 nm
- Cruise: 138 kts
- Seats: 7
- Ceiling: 10000 ft
Operations & Cabin
2 crew + up to 7 passengers (typical 2+3+2 or executive 2+3+3 layouts); medevac/stretchers configurable Spacious, low-vibration cabin with large side doors; multiple seating/mission configurations reported Avionics: Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS) / dual LCD EFIS variants reported
Model & Market Context
This airframe, registered as N427DL, is a Bell 427 rotorcraft built in 2002 with manufacturer serial number 56035. It was manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada and is owned by Bell Helicopter Textron (a corporation) based in Fort Worth, TX, US, with a United States registration (US). Retained within manufacturer-associated ownership rather than showing a traditional third-party operator transfer, the airframe’s registry reflects corporate custody and likely utilization for testing, demonstration or corporate transport. No public record of major registry actions beyond corporate ownership is noted in the supplied data.
The cabin configuration for this specific Bell 427 is described as accommodating 2 crew + up to 7 passengers with typical seating arrangements of 2+3+2 or executive 2+3+3 layouts; it is also configurable for medevac use with stretchers. Avionics fits reported for this airframe class include an Integrated Instrument Display System (IIDS) and dual LCD EFIS variants, indicating a modern glass cockpit fit suitable for corporate, utility or emergency medical missions. Typical mission profiles for an aircraft with these range and cruise figures would include regional corporate shuttle, light utility tasks, and short-to-medium distance charter flights radiating from its operator base in Fort Worth. Maintenance considerations in manufacturer ownership often emphasize conformity with factory service bulletins and centralized logistic support.
The Bell 427 family occupies a light twin-engine rotorcraft niche offering twin-PW207D redundancy, moderate cruise speeds and an adaptable cabin for passenger or medevac roles. Competing models in the market niche include other light twins and high-end single-engine light helicopters configured for executive or EMS roles. Buyer and charter demand tends to favor examples with up-to-date avionics suites (IIDS/dual EFIS) and clear maintenance provenance; manufacturer-owned airframes like N427DL often carry advantages in documented maintenance history but may command different resale considerations when transitioning out of corporate fleets.