Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP 280C near Ogden, UT — 2009-05-25

Final reportWPR09LA261
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Date
2009-05-25
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
Airport
KOGD
Aircraft
ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP 280C
Registration
N5699N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of the helicopter's collective both during the takeoff sequence and while attempting remedial action in response to an engine over-boost condition, which resulted in a hard precautionary landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that just after passing through takeoff translational lift, he noticed that the reciprocating engine was being over-boosted and that the main rotor blade RPM was drooping. He therefore lowered the collective in an attempt to lower the boost and to regain main rotor rpm, but the helicopter began to sink at a rate that made it necessary for him to immediately transition to a landing. After touching down on the ground, the skids partially collapsed, the helicopter pitched forward, and the main rotor blades flexed downward far enough to sever the tail boom. According to the pilot, the engine seemed to be running strong and smooth, and there did not appear to be any problems with the flight control system. No anomalies were found during a post-accident inspection of the airframe, nor during the engine test run.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff upon noticing engine over-boost.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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