Summary
On March 14, 2015, a Enstrom F28 - C (N5688N) was involved in an incident near Shelby, MT. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM during a low altitude operation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude over a machinery yard, he observed a low rotor rpm condition. When he lifted the collective the rpm continued to bleed off, which resulted in the helicopter yawing to the left. The pilot stated that he managed to get the helicopter back under control, but then entered the low rotor rpm condition a second time. Unable to keep the helicopter flying straight, the aircraft impacted up sloping terrain with its left skid, which was followed by the main rotor blades striking the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage due to the impact with terrain.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR15CA128. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5688N.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM during a low altitude operation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude over a machinery yard, he observed a low rotor rpm condition. When he lifted the collective the rpm continued to bleed off, which resulted in the helicopter yawing to the left. The pilot stated that he managed to get the helicopter back under control, but then entered the low rotor rpm condition a second time. Unable to keep the helicopter flying straight, the aircraft impacted up sloping terrain with its left skid, which was followed by the main rotor blades striking the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage due to the impact with terrain.
The pilot reported no preimpact 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# WPR15CA128