Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP 280C near Vale, OR — 2024-10-09

Final reportWPR25LA010
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Date
2024-10-09
Location
Vale, OR, USA
Aircraft
ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP 280C
Registration
N646H
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain engine and rotor rpm during takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, after completing an aerial application, he returned to the mix vehicle for an additional load. While reloading the helicopter, he noticed the wind direction was changing and “blowing harder” and may have shifted to a quartering tailwind. During takeoff from the mix vehicle, the engine and main rotor blade rpm started to decay. He aborted the takeoff and made a run on landing to an open field near the mix vehicle. During the landing the main rotor blades tilted aft and severed the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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