Two crew members have died after a twin-engine Bell helicopter crashed and burned during a test flight after taking off from the XworX facility in Arlington, Texas, US.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NSTB) are both probing the reasons for the crash.

"Bell Helicopter representatives are onsite to assess the situation and provide any assistance to local, state, and federal authorities."

The experimental aircraft in the 525 Relentless programme crashed in a field along Farm-to-Market Road 876.

Although most of the debris was found close to the crash location, some parts were found some hundreds of feet away, including a part of the helicopter’s boom.

According to aviation experts, the widespread debris indicates that the aircraft could have started breaking up in the air before the crash, reported NBC 5.

Another experimental helicopter was following the aircraft. The two took off from Arlington Airport on Wednesday.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Following the crash, the company issued a statement that read: "Bell Helicopter representatives are onsite to assess the situation and provide any assistance to local, state, and federal authorities."

The helicopter used a new type of rotor system.

FAA and NTSB investigators are exploring if the crash was caused by wind or due to a system issue.

This crash will be a setback to Bell Helicopter’s attempts to secure certification to use fly-by-wire technology in a commercial helicopter.