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NTSB Report
December 12, 1988 · Enstrom F28F · N5699M
Bradford, NH
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 12, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Bradford, NH
Aircraft
Enstrom F28F
Tail Number
N5699M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89LA048
THE ENSTROM F28, PILOTED BY A STUDENT PILOT, MADE A TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE PAD ON THE PILOT'S PROPERTY. AFTER GETTING THE HELICOPTER TO A HOVER, THE PILOT REPORTED THE HELICOPTER FELT AS IF IT HAD BEEN PUT IN A SEVERE FORWARD ATTITUDE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A HARD LANDING ON THE PAD, HOWEVER, HE WAS NOW ALMOST OFF THE PAD AND TREES WERE 25 FEET AHEAD. THE MAIN ROTORS CONTACTED TREES. THE PILOT SAID THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE WRENCHED FROM HIS HANDS AND THE TAIL STRUCK A STONE WALL. THE FAA REPORTED THAT THE PILOT SAID HE TOOK OFF WITH A TAILWIND.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INFLIGHT CONTACT WITH TREES DURING TAKEOFF AFTER THE STUDENT PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO HIS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE WINDS.
Full Narrative
THE ENSTROM F28, PILOTED BY A STUDENT PILOT, MADE A TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE PAD ON THE PILOT'S PROPERTY. AFTER GETTING THE HELICOPTER TO A HOVER, THE PILOT REPORTED THE HELICOPTER FELT AS IF IT HAD BEEN PUT IN A SEVERE FORWARD ATTITUDE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A HARD LANDING ON THE PAD, HOWEVER, HE WAS NOW ALMOST OFF THE PAD AND TREES WERE 25 FEET AHEAD. THE MAIN ROTORS CONTACTED TREES. THE PILOT SAID THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE WRENCHED FROM HIS HANDS AND THE TAIL STRUCK A STONE WALL. THE FAA REPORTED THAT THE PILOT SAID HE TOOK OFF WITH A TAILWIND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEnstrom F28F
Tail NumberN5699M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-F1AD · Reciprocating · 225
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind7 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point9 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO