Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM F-28C near Lanesboro, IA — 2013-04-24

Final reportCEN13CA238
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Date
2013-04-24
Location
Lanesboro, IA, USA
Aircraft
ENSTROM F-28C
Registration
N51767
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter while making an off-airport landing with a gusty tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that his door opened during the low-altitude aerial observation flight. The pilot stated that he was unable to close the door in flight due to the wind, so he decided to make an off-airport landing to close and latch the door. He stated that when he initiated a turn, the door opened, so he continued the flight in a direction such that the wind kept the door closed; he believed this direction would result in a headwind. The pilot stated that during the landing, the helicopter lost lift at an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the ground. The helicopter impacted the ground, which resulted in the main rotor blade severing the tail boom. Ground scars and recorded wind information indicated that the landing was performed with a gusty tailwind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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