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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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June 27, 1993 · Enstrom F-28C · N625H

Boulder, CO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Boulder, CO
Aircraft
Enstrom F-28C
Tail Number
N625H
Operator
Falcon Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN93LA070

DURING A ONE TIME RENTAL PATROL FLIGHT, THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AIR TAXIED THE HELICOPTER BY THE DISPATCH BUILDING AND AIMED THE HELICOPTER SPOTLIGHT IN THE WINDOW TO ALERT THE DISPATCHER THAT THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO COMMUNICATE VIA PORTABLE RADIO. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN TO THE RIGHT AND AFTER SEVERAL REVOLUTIONS, THE PILOT IN COMMAND TOOK CONTROL FROM THE SECOND PILOT AND CUT POWER IN ORDER TO STOP THE SPIN. HE GUIDED THE HELICOPTER TO THE POLICE PARKING LOT BESIDE THE BUILDING AND COLLIDED WITH TWO VEHICLES PARKED IN THE LOT. THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM WERE NOT COMPROMISED IN THE ACCIDENT AND EXAMINATION PROVIDED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. ACTUAL WIND CONDITIONS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE ARE UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, THE PILOT FLYING STATED THAT HE THOUGHT A WIND SHIFT OCCURRED AND HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO THE WIND WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST.

NTSB Probable Cause

A FAILURE BY THE PILOT FLYING TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

Full Narrative

DURING A ONE TIME RENTAL PATROL FLIGHT, THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AIR TAXIED THE HELICOPTER BY THE DISPATCH BUILDING AND AIMED THE HELICOPTER SPOTLIGHT IN THE WINDOW TO ALERT THE DISPATCHER THAT THEY WERE ATTEMPTING TO COMMUNICATE VIA PORTABLE RADIO. THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SPIN TO THE RIGHT AND AFTER SEVERAL REVOLUTIONS, THE PILOT IN COMMAND TOOK CONTROL FROM THE SECOND PILOT AND CUT POWER IN ORDER TO STOP THE SPIN. HE GUIDED THE HELICOPTER TO THE POLICE PARKING LOT BESIDE THE BUILDING AND COLLIDED WITH TWO VEHICLES PARKED IN THE LOT. THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE AND CONTROL SYSTEM WERE NOT COMPROMISED IN THE ACCIDENT AND EXAMINATION PROVIDED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. ACTUAL WIND CONDITIONS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE ARE UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, THE PILOT FLYING STATED THAT HE THOUGHT A WIND SHIFT OCCURRED AND HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO THE WIND WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:40 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom F-28C
Tail NumberN625H
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFalcon Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VHIO-360-EIAD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind360° @ 3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data