Pilot Debrief

ENSTROM F28C near Leeds, UT — 2026-02-02

Investigation ongoingWPR26LA094
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Date
2026-02-02
Location
Leeds, UT, USA
Aircraft
ENSTROM F28C
Registration
N5692Y
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On February 2, 2026, at about 1301 mountain standard time, an Enstrom F-28C helicopter, registration N5692Y, was substantially damaged near Leeds, Utah. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight Witnesses observed the pilot attempting to take off from his driveway for a local flight. The helicopter lifted off the ground to a hover, which the witnesses described as “unstable,” prompting the pilot to land. Witnesses heard an increase in main rotor RPM followed by a near vertical climb. Upon reaching about 80 feet above ground level, the helicopter suddenly descended, struck a tree with its tail rotor and subsequently impacted the ground with the main rotor blades. The helicopter came to rest on its left side about 40 feet from its departure point. During the accident sequence, the main rotor, tail rotor, landing gear and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that he did not have sufficient power to maintain altitude and lost control of the helicopter. The helicopter was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (partial) · Takeoff
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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