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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

March 26, 1996 · Enstrom F-28C · N56874

Defuniak Spring, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Defuniak Spring, FL
Aircraft
Enstrom F-28C
Tail Number
N56874
Operator
Robert D Duda
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA96LA106

The noninstrument-rated commercial pilot was in cruise flight flying over an interstate highway at night. The ceiling reported by an FAA Flight Service Station (destination airport) was 400 feet overcast, visibility 2 miles, with drizzle and fog. The pilot flew into a fog bank and the helicopter encountered instrument flight conditions. The pilot slowed the helicopter down and initiated a 180-degree right turn. During the turn, he heard a 'popping' sound to his left and observed a flickering light on the instrument panel. He checked the flight instruments, noticed the helicopter was in a diving right turn, observed lights on the interstate highway and increased collective pitch. The main rotor blades collided with trees, and the helicopter went to the right, crossed the interstate highway, hit some more trees, and crashed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and inadvertent descent, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with trees. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.

Full Narrative

On March 25, 1996, about 2124 central standard time, an Enstrom F-28C, N56874, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight, crashed while maneuvering in the vicinity of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Instrument meteorological conditions were being reported at the time of the accident. The helicopter was destroyed. The noninstrument-rated commercial pilot reported minor injuries and the private pilot passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from Tallahassee, Florida, about 1 hour 24 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was in cruise flight at 800 agl west bound over Interstate 10, when he flew into a fog bank. He slowed the helicopter down and initiated a 180-degree right turn. Just after starting the turn he heard a "popping" sound to his left, and diverted his attention to a flickering light on the instrument panel. He checked the flight instruments and noticed the helicopter was in a diving right turn. He observed lights on Interstate 10, and increased collective pitch. The main rotor blades collided with trees and the helicopter veered to the right across the highway, and hit some more trees. He applied collective pitch and aft cyclic, the helicopter collided with the ground and rolled over on its left side. After exiting the helicopter, his passenger called "911" to report the accident to the authorities. Review of Walton County Public Safety "911" logs revealed the telephone call was received at 2134. Review of weather information obtained from Crestview Automated Flight Service Station, Crestview, Florida, revealed instrument meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the afternoon and at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:24 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom F-28C
Tail NumberN56874
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRobert D Duda
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-E1AD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time03:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data