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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 6, 1995 · Enstrom F28-280C · N51786

Blue Ash, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 6, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Blue Ash, OH
Aircraft
Enstrom F28-280C
Tail Number
N51786
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO96LA003

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF OBSTACLES IN THE VICINITY OF THE HELICOPTER, HE DECIDED TO HOVER TAXI BACKWARDS, THEN MAKE A LEFT TURN FOR TAKEOFF. HE REPORTED THAT HE BEGAN TO HOVER TAXI WITH A TAILWIND OF 14 KNOTS, WITH GUSTS TO 22 KNOTS. THE PILOT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE WINDS, HE WAS FOCUSED ON THE WINDSOCK, HIS FLIGHT PATH AND ENGINE RPM, AND FORGOT ABOUT THE HELICOPTER WHICH WAS PARKED BEHIND HIM. THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE PARKED HELICOPTER AS THE PILOT WAS TURNING THE HELICOPTER TO THE LEFT.

NTSB Probable Cause

the commercial pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during hover-taxi operations. Related factors the tailwind, the nearby obstacle, and the misjudged maneuver to avoid obstacles.

Full Narrative

On October 6, 1995, at 1520 eastern daylight time, an Enstrom F28-280C, N51786, registered to New Horizons Helicopters, Cincinnati, Ohio, collided with a unoccupied parked helicopter while hover taxiing prior to takeoff at Gallenstein Park Heliport, in Blue Ash, Ohio. The taxiing helicopter was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received no injuries. The unoccupied helicopter received minor damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that because of a small hangar to the left of the parked helicopter, a fence in front, and telephone poles and wires to the right, he planned to hover taxi aft, then turn left in order to takeoff. He noted that there was an unoccupied helicopter parked approximately sixty feet aft and right of N51786. The pilot stated that he thought he had enough room between the helicopters to hover taxi as planned. He reported that he "...picked N51786 up off it's cart. As [the taxi] was into a tailwind, I was paying a lot of attention to the windsock and maintaining course and RPM while taxiing in reverse. I forgot the other helicopter was parked behind...and backed into it...I start every afternoon the same way, from the same position, to report afternoon rush hour traffic. The difference today was the second helicopter." Winds were reported to be out of 230 degrees at 14 knots, with gusts to 22 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest AirportGallenstein Heliport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom F28-280C
Tail NumberN51786
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-EIAD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data