ENSTROM 280FX
Dacono, CO — April 20, 2009
Event Information
| Date | April 20, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA257 |
| Event ID | 20090421X52308 |
| Location | Dacono, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.01028, -105.04806 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ENSTROM |
| Model | 280FX |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Full Narrative
According to the instructor, the student pilot was making a practice autorotation to be followed by a powered recovery in preparation for his taking the private pilot practical test. When power was added, only 2500 rpm (revolutions per minute) instead of 3050 rpm was attained. A forced landing ensued and the helicopter slid approximately 2 feet on a rain-soaked field. The skid toes dug into the soft ground, stopping forward movement and causing the fuselage to shift forward. The main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail rotor driveshaft. In addition, the the tail rotor gearbox, tailboom, and a main rotor blade were damaged.
Post-accident examination of the engine and power train revealed no anomalies that would have prevented the engine from producing full power.
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.