N51683

Substantial
None

ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP 280CS/N: 1110

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA101
Location
Showlow, AZ
Event ID
20140121X14119
Coordinates
34.264446, -110.007774
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM during the takeoff run in a high density altitude environment, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N51683
Make
ENSTROM HELICOPTER CORP
Serial Number
1110
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
280CEN28
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
UNKNOWN
Status
Deregistered
City
XXX
State / Zip Code
OK 73125
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that just after takeoff he hovered the helicopter about two feet above the ground before starting a northwesterly takeoff run over an area of grass-covered, uneven terrain. The pilot noted that during the takeoff run, the main rotor RPM began to decay, so he added engine throttle to correct for the RPM decline. The helicopter subsequently descended and during touchdown, the left main landing gear skid collapsed. The helicopter rolled to the left, and the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor drive system, tail boom, and fuselage.

The pilot reported that the estimated gross weight of the helicopter at takeoff was 2,300 pounds, or approximately 50 pounds under the maximum gross weight of 2,350 pounds. The density altitude was calculated to be 7,015 feet mean sea level.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA101