ENSTROM F-28F near Argyle, TX — 2015-05-06

Probable cause

The pilot and flight instructor's inadvertent encounter with settling with power during a confined area takeoff at an altitude that was too low for recovery.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot receiving instruction, he and the flight instructor were performing the third in a series of confined area takeoffs in the helicopter. The previous two takeoffs were conducted with no anomalies observed. The pilot stated that, on the third takeoff, he performed a vertical climb to just above treetop level. As the helicopter transitioned to forward motion, it began to settle, and the flight instructor assumed the flight controls to attempt to return to the departure point. The helicopter continued to descend and subsequently impacted trees and terrain. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the maneuver before descending into trees.

NTSB coding

• Settling with power/vortex ring state · Takeoff

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Record of Correspondence - FAAother

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