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NTSB Report
August 24, 1990 · Enstrom F-28A · N9597
Ravenna, OH
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ravenna, OH
Aircraft
Enstrom F-28A
Tail Number
N9597
Operator
Tom Fitalkovich
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA200
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A LAKE SHORELINE. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND. POST CRASH EXAMINATION BY THE FAA REVEALED THE FUEL INJECTORS AND FUEL SUMP HAD CONTAMINATION SIMILAR TO THE FUEL TANK SEALANT. THE PILOT DID NOT DETECT THE CONTAMINATION DURING PREFLIGHT. THE FAA ALSO REPORTED THE SLOPING SHORELINE WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE PLACE FOR A FORCED LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
A POWER LOSS, DUE TO CONTAMINATION FROM DETERIORATING FUEL TANK SEALANT, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO NOTICE THE CONTAMINATION DURING PREFLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A LAKE SHORELINE. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND. POST CRASH EXAMINATION BY THE FAA REVEALED THE FUEL INJECTORS AND FUEL SUMP HAD CONTAMINATION SIMILAR TO THE FUEL TANK SEALANT. THE PILOT DID NOT DETECT THE CONTAMINATION DURING PREFLIGHT. THE FAA ALSO REPORTED THE SLOPING SHORELINE WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE PLACE FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPortage County (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F-28A
Tail NumberN9597
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTom Fitalkovich
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0