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July 27, 2024 · Enstrom 280FX · N280D

Russellville, KY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Russellville, KY
Aircraft
Enstrom 280FX (1988)
Tail Number
N280D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA327

The flight instructor uneventfully demonstrated a rapid deceleration maneuver to the fixed-wing pilot-rated passenger into the wind, performed a left pedal turn, and performed another rapid deceleration maneuver (with a tailwind). The flight instructor then initiated another left pedal turn; however, the helicopter failed to turn, and the low-rotor RPM light came on. The flight instructor said that he attempted to recover by lowering the collective and adding full throttle, but the throttle was already fully open. The low-rotor RPM light remained illuminated and engine RPM started to drop. The helicopter landed and slid down a slope adjacent to the runway and came to rest on its left side. This resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tail cone. The pilot rated passenger provided a similar account of the events and said that after he exited the helicopter, the instructor told him that they had just “settled with power.” The flight instructor reported there were no mechanical deficiencies that contributed to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain sufficient rotor rpm while maneuvering the helicopter low to the ground, which resulted in a loss of control.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor uneventfully demonstrated a rapid deceleration maneuver to the fixed-wing pilot-rated passenger into the wind, performed a left pedal turn, and performed another rapid deceleration maneuver (with a tailwind). The flight instructor then initiated another left pedal turn; however, the helicopter failed to turn, and the low-rotor RPM light came on. The flight instructor said that he attempted to recover by lowering the collective and adding full throttle, but the throttle was already fully open. The low-rotor RPM light remained illuminated and engine RPM started to drop. The helicopter landed and slid down a slope adjacent to the runway and came to rest on its left side. This resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tail cone. The pilot rated passenger provided a similar account of the events and said that after he exited the helicopter, the instructor told him that they had just “settled with power.” The flight instructor reported there were no mechanical deficiencies that contributed to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:50 CDT
Nearest AirportRussellville-Logan County (0.2nm WSW)
Runway07/2
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEnstrom 280FX
Tail NumberN280D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · HIO-360-F1AD · Reciprocating · 190
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data