Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM F-28A near Danbury, TX — 2013-06-19

Final reportCEN13LA360
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Date
2013-06-19
Location
Danbury, TX, USA
Aircraft
ENSTROM F-28A
Registration
N485PM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the failure of a connecting rod for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just taken off in the helicopter when the pilot and the flight instructor heard a loud “bang,” and the engine lost total power. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation to available terrain from a low altitude; however, when the helicopter touched down, it encountered a rut and rolled over on its right side. The main rotor blades were destroyed, and the tail boom was severed. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a connecting rod had failed. The reason the connecting rod failed could not be determined during postaccident examination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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