Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM 280FX near Waterford, CA — 2025-03-15

Final reportWPR25LA112
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Date
2025-03-15
Location
Waterford, CA, USA
Airport
MOD
Aircraft
ENSTROM 280FX
Registration
N402TA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

A witness video showed the helicopter flying very low over a lake before it impacted the water. During postaccident interviews with news outlets, the pilot stated he and a passenger were flying the helicopter low over clear water, when his “depth perception got a little off”, and he drove the helicopter into the water. The helicopter fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades were substantially damaged. The pilot did not complete a NTSB Form 6120.1 Accident/Incident Report.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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