Enstrom F28F
Amberg, WI — July 23, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 23, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CHI08CA203 |
| Event ID | 20080826X01326 |
| Location | Amberg, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.48389, -87.97694 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Enstrom |
| Model | F28F |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
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.
Full Narrative
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.