Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM 280FX near Dacono, CO — 2009-04-20

Final reportCEN09CA257
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Date
2009-04-20
Location
Dacono, CO, USA
Aircraft
ENSTROM 280FX
Registration
N409LH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to the instructor, the student pilot was making a practice autorotation to be followed by a powered recovery in preparation for his taking the private pilot practical test. When power was added, only 2500 rpm (instead of 3050 rpm) were attained. The helicopter slid approximately 2 feet on a rain-soaked field. The skid toes dug into the soft ground, stopping forward movement and causing the fuselage to shift forward. The main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail rotor driveshaft. In addition the tail rotor gearbox, tailboom, and a main rotor blade were damaged. Postaccident examination of the engine and powertrain revealed no anomalies that would have prevented the engine from producing full power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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