N8626E

Substantial
None

Enstrom F28FS/N: 744

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA203
Location
Amberg, WI
Event ID
20080826X01326
Coordinates
45.483890, -87.976943
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot during a forced landing following a loss of engine power due to a cylinder head separation. Contributing to the accident was the tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N8626E
Make
ENSTROM
Serial Number
744
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
F28FEN28
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP
Address
2209 22ND ST
Status
Deregistered
City
MENOMINEE
State / Zip Code
MI 49858-3515
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that the helicopter had undergone an annual inspection at the helicopter manufacturer and was retuning when he felt a "sudden" yaw to the left during cruise flight about 32 miles from the destination airport. The pilot then performed an "immediate" descent to a clearing and about 60 feet above ground level and 30 miles per hour, the engine quit. The helicopter landed on its skids and spun 180 degrees, impacting a tree with its tail rotor. The tail boom separated from the fuselage and a fire ensued consuming about 10 acres of land. The pilot exited the helicopter through the "partially jammed" passenger door because the pilot door was "jammed." The pilot received minor injuries. Examination of the engine revealed a cylinder head that was separated from its barrel.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA203