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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 15, 2024 · Enstrom 280FX · N899JS

Lewistown, MT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 15, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lewistown, MT
Aircraft
Enstrom 280FX (1989)
Tail Number
N899JS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA090

The airplane rated pilot reported that he departed the airport traffic pattern with the intention of practicing helicopter maneuvers at about 200 ft. above ground level (agl) near sundown. The pilot reported that he felt a loud bang while maneuvering and realized he had “impacted the ground” without warning and the helicopter immediately rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. The pilot reported that he encountered a “VFR white out” in “flat light” conditions while maneuvering over snow-covered terrain. He also reported that he was not maintaining a safe altitude. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 59.5 total flight hours in rotorcraft; however, the pilot did not possess a helicopter rating. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-covered terrain.

Full Narrative

The airplane rated pilot reported that he departed the airport traffic pattern with the intention of practicing helicopter maneuvers at about 200 ft. above ground level (agl) near sundown. The pilot reported that he felt a loud bang while maneuvering and realized he had “impacted the ground” without warning and the helicopter immediately rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom. The pilot reported that he encountered a “VFR white out” in “flat light” conditions while maneuvering over snow-covered terrain. He also reported that he was not maintaining a safe altitude. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 59.5 total flight hours in rotorcraft; however, the pilot did not possess a helicopter rating. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 MST
Nearest AirportLewistown Muni (2.8nm SSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom 280FX
Tail NumberN899JS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HI0-360-F1AD · Reciprocating · 225
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingOvercast 9 ft
Temperature / Dew Point14 F / 10 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data