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NTSB Report
June 7, 1990 · Enstrom F28C · N51729
Camas, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Camas, WA
Aircraft
Enstrom F28C
Tail Number
N51729
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA90LA116
THE OWNER OF THE ENSTROM HELICOPTER, WHICH WAS OUT OF ANNUAL INSPECTION LIMITATIONS, ELECTED TO FLY IT OFF A TRAILER IN ORDER TO REPOSITION IT FOR MAINTENANCE PRIOR TO A FERRY FLIGHT. AT ABOUT FIFTY FEET, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED, AND THE ENGINE BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM. AN AUTOROTATION WAS MADE, BUT THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE OWNER STATED HE BELIEVED THAT THE SPRAG CLUTCH FAILED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF A SPRAG CLUTCH IN THE ROTOR-DRIVE MECHANISM, AT AN ALTITUDE AND POSITION THAT PRECLUDED OR LIMITED THE POSSIBILITY OF A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME.
Full Narrative
THE OWNER OF THE ENSTROM HELICOPTER, WHICH WAS OUT OF ANNUAL INSPECTION LIMITATIONS, ELECTED TO FLY IT OFF A TRAILER IN ORDER TO REPOSITION IT FOR MAINTENANCE PRIOR TO A FERRY FLIGHT. AT ABOUT FIFTY FEET, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASED, AND THE ENGINE BECAME DISENGAGED FROM THE ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM. AN AUTOROTATION WAS MADE, BUT THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE OWNER STATED HE BELIEVED THAT THE SPRAG CLUTCH FAILED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F28C
Tail NumberN51729
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-E1AD · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO