Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM F-28F near Oelwein, IA — 2026-03-29

Final reportCEN26LA154
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Date
2026-03-29
Location
Oelwein, IA, USA
Airport
OLZ
Aircraft
ENSTROM F-28F
Registration
N942MA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the hover taxi with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while hover taxiing, the helicopter encountered a quartering tailwind and immediately started to spin. The pilot attempted to correct the spin by reducing engine power; however, the helicopter touched down hard. During the hard landing, the left skid collapsed and the main rotor blades impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was hover taxiing the helicopter to the north with wind from 170° at 18 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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