# Accident 20060315005519A: Enstrm 280F, Sterling, CO, March 15, 2006

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: March 15, 2006, 10:00 local time
- Place: Sterling, CO
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Hovering
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 40.9353° N, 103.3636° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9353&lon=-103.3636&mi=10
- Aircraft: N811Z, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N811Z) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Enstrom Helicopter 280F (registry code 3300550, https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-helicopter-280f) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Lycoming HI0-360 series (registry code 41553, https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hi0-360-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTRM 280F
- Reported engine: LYC HIO360*
- People aboard: 2
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Pilot flight hours: 3,000 total, 150 in this make and model, 50 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB DEN06CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA048) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060315005519A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

(-23) PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FLIGHT (PHOTOGRAPHING EAGLES NESTS LOCATED ON CANYON WALLS). AIRCRAFT WAS HOVERING IN A NARROW BOX CANYON WHEN IT EXPERIENCED INORDINATELY SEVERE GUSTING WINDS. THE SUDDEN WINDS CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO YAW TO THE RIGHT COUPLED WITH A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT. PILOT VEERED OFF TO THE LEFT TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE CANYON WALL AND HEADED STRAIGHT AHEAD TO A CONTROLLED EMERGENCY LANDING. THE LANDING ZONE HAD A 30 DEGREE SLOPE. ON LANDING THE LEFT SKID BROKE OFF AND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES IMPACTED THE TERRAIN. SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. NO INJURIES.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB DEN06CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA048), Mar 15, 2006: Enstrom 280F (N811Z), Peetz, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering resulting in an impact with terrain. Contributing factors were the gusty winds, downdrafts, and box canyon.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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