Pilot Debrief

Enstrom 280FX near Aurora, CO — 2008-08-06

Final reportDEN08CA134
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Date
2008-08-06
Location
Aurora, CO, USA
Aircraft
Enstrom 280FX
Registration
N285SH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper planning and decision making resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's premature application of collective resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was returning to land when he noted that the fuel level was low. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power and the pilot attempted an autorotation to an open field, resulting in a hard landing, and substantial damage to the helicopter. The loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. An examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. According to the pilot, he departed with 19 gallons of fuel, and had calculated this represented 1 hour and 20 minutes of fuel.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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