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NTSB Report
May 27, 1988 · Enstrom F-28A · N9209
Middletown, DE
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Middletown, DE
Aircraft
Enstrom F-28A
Tail Number
N9209
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO88FA050
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, AT AN ALT OF APRX 400 FT, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD AND THE HELICOPTER DEVELOPED A MODERATE TO SEVERE VIBRATION. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED SMALL TREE BRANCHES AND LANDED HARD IN A FIELD. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE #3 CYLINDER CONNECTING ROD CAP HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CONNECTING ROD. THE FATIGUE FAILURE INITIATED AT THE BOLT HOLE IN THE YOKE SECTION OF THE ROD. SEVERE GALLING WAS VISIBLE ON THE FAILED CONNECTING ROD CAP AND YOKE.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, AT AN ALT OF APRX 400 FT, A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD AND THE HELICOPTER DEVELOPED A MODERATE TO SEVERE VIBRATION. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER AND INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED SMALL TREE BRANCHES AND LANDED HARD IN A FIELD. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE #3 CYLINDER CONNECTING ROD CAP HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CONNECTING ROD. THE FATIGUE FAILURE INITIATED AT THE BOLT HOLE IN THE YOKE SECTION OF THE ROD. SEVERE GALLING WAS VISIBLE ON THE FAILED CONNECTING ROD CAP AND YOKE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:15 EDT
Nearest AirportSummit Airpark (0nm N)
Runway11
Runway Length4100 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F-28A
Tail NumberN9209
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-C1A · Reciprocating · 205
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind240° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:51
Weather SourceWFAC