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NTSB Report
June 7, 1991 · Enstrom F280C · N5695Y
Baggs, WY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Baggs, WY
Aircraft
Enstrom F280C
Tail Number
N5695Y
Operator
John L Irwin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91LA128
THE PILOT OF THE ENSTROM F280C STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE FLYING AT 50-100 FEET AGL. HE THEN DESCENDED TO A FORCED LANDING AS THE ENGINE RPM DECREASED. HE SET THE AIRCRAFT DOWN HARD IN TALL SAGEBRUSH, CAUSING THE DOWNHILL SKID TO COLLAPSE. AS A RESULT OF THE HARD IMPACT THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES DROOPED AND SHEARED OFF THE TAIL BOOM. LATER INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER THREE EXHAUST VALVE STEM HAD BROKEN AND THAT PARTS OF THIS VALVE HAD DESTROYED THE TURBOCHARGER AND BOTH SPARK PLUGS IN THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER.
NTSB Probable Cause
EXHAUST VALVE FAILURE, RESULTING IN A PARTIAL POWER LOSS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE LOW ALTITUDE AND ROUGH/UNEVEN TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE ENSTROM F280C STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHILE FLYING AT 50-100 FEET AGL. HE THEN DESCENDED TO A FORCED LANDING AS THE ENGINE RPM DECREASED. HE SET THE AIRCRAFT DOWN HARD IN TALL SAGEBRUSH, CAUSING THE DOWNHILL SKID TO COLLAPSE. AS A RESULT OF THE HARD IMPACT THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES DROOPED AND SHEARED OFF THE TAIL BOOM. LATER INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER THREE EXHAUST VALVE STEM HAD BROKEN AND THAT PARTS OF THIS VALVE HAD DESTROYED THE TURBOCHARGER AND BOTH SPARK PLUGS IN THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F280C
Tail NumberN5695Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn L Irwin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · H1O-360-E1AD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO