Enstrom F-28C N294SB

Summary

On 27 March 1997 at about 22:15 local time, a Enstrom F-28C registered N294SB, operated by Steve Bates, was involved in an accident near Sacaton, Arizona, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

27 March 1997 at 22:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Sacaton, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Enstrom F-28C

Registration

N294SB

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Steve Bates

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chandler → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX97LA133

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's improper use of the collective by not maintaining rotor rpm during takeoff from a confined area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a confined area takeoff, the aircraft passed through effective translational lift (ETL) when the pilot noticed a reduction in engine noise. Both the engine and rotor rpm needles were still joined at a position just below the bottom of the green arc. He lowered collective and rolled the throttle full on without obtaining an increase in engine rpm. He initiated a straight-in autorotation, and during the ground slide, a skid contacted a rock and the tail boom yawed. The tail boom then struck a tree and separated from the aircraft. The main rotor drive belt was disconnected and a run-up check was performed the engine. The engine ran throughout the normal operating range and magneto checks were within tolerances. The engine air cleaner was removed and exhibited trapped dirt and grass.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.