# NTSB investigations: Enstrom F-28A

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 4 · 161 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA077.md): Enstrom 280 · Hammonton, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Dec 28, 2025 · N280MG · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > On December 28, 2025, at 1124 eastern standard time, an Enstrom F-28A helicopter, N520H, and an Enstrom 280C helicopter, N280MG, collided in midair near Hammonton, New Jersey. The private pilots onboard each of the helicopters were fatally injured. Both…
- [NTSB WPR21LA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA293.md): Enstrom F-28A · Mountain Home, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2021 · N46MU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent hard landing on uneven terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA051.md): Enstrom F28 · Danbury, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 31, 2019 · N57SJ · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the engine's No.3 intake valve resulting is a loss of engine power and a rollover following the autorotation to soft ground.
- [NTSB ERA14LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA108.md): Enstrom F 28A · Memphis, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2014 · N24RB · Substantial damage
  > A skid tube clamp weld failure due to high residual stress, which resulted in a skid collapse during landing. Contributing to the accident was the airplane manufacturer’s lack of adequate guidance for periodically inspecting the skid tube clamp.
- [NTSB CEN13LA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA437.md): Enstrom F-28A · Danbury, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2013 · N287Q · Substantial damage
  > The loss of collective control for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive fire damage.
- [NTSB CEN13LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA360.md): Enstrom F-28A · Danbury, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2013 · N485PM · Destroyed
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of a connecting rod for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination.
- [NTSB CEN12CA647](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA647.md): Enstrom F-28A · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2012 · N194E · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's operation of the helicopter, which resulted in the tail boom's contact with the refueling pump.
- [NTSB DFW07CA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA053.md): Enstrom F28A · Bruceville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 5, 2007 · N764PC · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot's improper demonstration of an autorotation, resulting in the helicopter's main rotor blades impacting the ground.
- [NTSB CHI06LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA021.md): Enstrom F-28A · Portland, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2005 · N266Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate the helicopter with a known engine deficiency, the loss of engine power due to the connecting rod failure, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor to the accident was the corn crop and…
- [NTSB ATL05CA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05CA028.md): Enstrom F-28A · Smyrna, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 22, 2004 · N9235 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's improper flare during forced landing, which resulted in an inflight collision into an open field.
- [NTSB CHI04CA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA237.md): Enstrom F-28A · Leroy, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 23, 2004 · N9573 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the missing 1/8-27 NPT Allen plug as a result of other maintenance personnel undertorquing the plug. Additionally, the pilot improperly excecuted a run on landing. A factor was the loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CHI03LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA104.md): Enstrom F-28A · Lino Lakes, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 2003 · N26HW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining aircraft control while manuevering.
- [NTSB CHI02FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA001.md): Enstrom F-28A · Attica, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2001 · N137E · Substantial damage
  > The reported loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during cruise flight, the pilot not performing an autorotation, the pilot not maintaining rotor RPM during his emergency descent, and the pilot not maintaining control of the helicopter. A factor was…
- [NTSB CHI01LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA178.md): Enstrom F-28A · Eldridge, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2001 · N612B · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate autorotation and disregarded wind information by the pilot. Factors were the gusting tailwind and the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA01LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01LA153.md): Enstrom F28A · Double Springs, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 2001 · N9565 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance between the skid and trailer while attempting to lift from a trailer resulting in dynamic roll-over.
- [NTSB NYC99LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA138.md): Enstrom F-28 · Cincinnati, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1999 · N9588 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions at the time of departure, which resulted in a downwind takeoff. A factor in the accident was the change in wind direction.
- [NTSB LAX98LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA242.md): Enstrom F28A · Pleasanton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1998 · N288Q · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed remedial action and the student pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM. A factor was the downhill terrain.
- [NTSB NYC98LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA076.md): Enstrom F-28A · Blue Ash, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1998 · N4884 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of a cooling fan blade and the pilot's improper flare.
- [NTSB LAX97FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA086.md): Enstrom F28A · Saipan Island, Sark · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 1997 · N9087 · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, resulting from improper planning/decision; and the pilot's abrupt handling of the flight controls, while maneuvering to avoid swimmers, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom. A related…
- [NTSB FTW96LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA149.md): Enstrom F-28A · Killeen, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1996 · N9574 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. A factor relating to the accident was: lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing (autorotation).
- [NTSB NYC95IA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95IA164.md): Enstrom F-28A · Philadelphia, PA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1995 · N203Q · Minor damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in a collision with the water.
- [NTSB NYC95LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA012.md): Enstrom F-28A · Shelburne, VT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1994 · N9238 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB BFO94LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA137.md): Enstrom F-28A · Stewartsville, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1994 · N13CM · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reason.
- [NTSB BFO94LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA129.md): Enstrom F-28A · Bangor, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1994 · N292Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of aircraft control. Factors are dark night conditions, and the pilot's execution of an evasive maneuver.
- [NTSB NYC93LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA175.md): Enstrom F28A · Meriden, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1993 · N269Q · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC93LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA128.md): Enstrom F-28A · Ironton, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1993 · N9555 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor.
- [NTSB NYC93LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA016.md): Enstrom F-28A · Kitts Hill, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1992 · N249Q · Substantial damage
  > A hard landing due to improper use of the collective, following a wire strike due to inadequate visual lookout.
- [NTSB BFO92LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA139.md): Enstrom F-28A · Shelbyville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1992 · N950SC · Substantial damage
  > An improper flare made by the pilot resulting in a hard landing and main rotor blade tail boom strike.
- [NTSB LAX92LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA245.md): Enstrom F28A · Hanford, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1992 · N159Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the takeoff. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft and unfavorable winds that existed at the time of takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC92LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA100.md): Enstrom F28A · Malvern, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1992 · N296Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot abruptly moved the cyclic rearward which resulted in the main rotor blades striking and separating the tail boom. A factor in this accident was the soft muddy field.
- [NTSB CHI91LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA131.md): Enstrom F-28A · Grand Ledge, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1991 · N294Q · Substantial damage
  > The student's failure to maintain a proper altitude and clearance from the terrain along with the cfi's failure to adequately supervise the student's actions. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadequate visual lookout available due to the night…
- [NTSB NYC91LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA107.md): Enstrom F28A · Leetonia, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 1991 · N58KC · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter hover performance was exceeded by the pilot and his failure to perform a normal approach to a landing. Factors were the high winds and the tailwind condition.
- [NTSB NYC90LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA200.md): Enstrom F-28A · Ravenna, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1990 · N9597 · Substantial damage
  > A power loss, due to contamination from deteriorating fuel tank sealant, and the pilot's failure to notice the contamination during preflight.
- [NTSB MIA90LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA120.md): Enstrom F-28A · Marathon, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 1990 · N9056 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the input drive gear of the tail rotor gear box for undetermined reasons because the drive gear was not recovered from the ocean.
- [NTSB FTW90LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA099.md): Enstrom F-28A · Danbury, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 1990 · N287Q · Substantial damage
  > Pilot in command's failure to see and avoid wires during the final stage of an approach to a confined area. A contributing factor to the accident was the pilot's disregard of the operator's instructions after he landed the first time.
- [NTSB MIA90TL#03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90TL%2303.md): Enstrom F-28A · Ft Pierce, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 3, 1990 · N9247 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC90FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90FA047.md): de Havilland DHC-6 · Chevak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 1990 · N200EH · Substantial damage
  > Improper flare by the pilot (PIC) during the landing/flare. The weather condition with fog was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC89LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA213.md): Enstrom F28A · Boston, MA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1989 · N203Q · Substantial damage
  > Failue of pilot to maintain control of the helicopter when a passenger inadvertently pushed the cyclic control. The fence (near the helipad) was considered to be a factor.
- [NTSB CHI88LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA239.md): Enstrom F28A · Celina, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1988 · N249Q · Destroyed
  > After 2 unsuccessful attempts to takeoff, the plt/owner tried a 3rd takeoff in his newly purchased helicopter. He rprtd that during the first 2 attempts to takeoff, he couldn't seem to get 100% of his left pedal authority. Shortly after the helicopter became…
- [NTSB FTW88DRG11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88DRG11.md): Enstrom F28A · Port Isabel, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 16, 1988 · N9087 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot reported that he had accomplished a max-performance takeoff, cleared an obstacle, and when he attempted forward flight, the main rotor RPM decreased. He stated he was unable to recover the RPM and maintain altitude so he selected a landing area. Due…
- [NTSB LAX88LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA198.md): Enstrom F28A · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1988 · N4898 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter landed hard during a practice touchdown autorotation (auto). The helo remained in closed traffic for the purpose of practicing touchdown autos to a landing area adjacent to the aprt's rwy. There was also another helo in closed traffic using the…
- [NTSB BFO88FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA050.md): Enstrom F-28A · Middletown, DE · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 1988 · N9209 · Substantial damage
  > Shortly after takeoff, at an alt of aprx 400 ft, a loud bang was heard and the helicopter developed a moderate to severe vibration. The CFI took control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation. The helicopter contacted small tree branches and landed…
- [NTSB CHI88LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA014.md): Enstrom F-28A · Lapeer, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1987 · N9583 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter was in cruise flt when the rgt side horizontal stabilizer attach tube failed & separated from the tail boom, then contacted the tail rotor. This resulted in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft flex coupling at the tail rotor gear box. In…
- [NTSB ATL87LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA267.md): Enstrom F-28A · Mansfield, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1987 · N29GC · Substantial damage
  > The plt reported that the helicopter made an uncommanded turn to the right and rolled to the left as she was hover-taxiing away from the hangar toward the takeoff area. The acft subsequently impacted the terrain and came to rest on its left side. Post-crash…
- [NTSB NYC87DNC06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DNC06.md): Enstrom F-28A · Mason, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 3, 1987 · N9271 · Destroyed
  > The loss of aircraft control after the tail rotor struck the trees and departed the aircraft. The pilot's poor judgement in flying in weather conditions beyond his capabilities was a factor.
- [NTSB MKC87LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA102.md): Enstrom F-28A · Fayetteville, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 1987 · N13CM · Substantial damage
  > The PIC was demonstrating the helo to a prospective customer. The PIC was hovering in a remote area with rough and uneven terrain. The PIC rptd outside air temps of abt 90 degrees during the demo flt. The PIC stated that he was moving around over the grnd in…
- [NTSB ATL87DEG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87DEG05.md): Enstrom F-28A · Wilmington, OH · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Apr 30, 1987 · N180Q · Substantial damage
  > During a climbout the pilot reported a power reduction. The engine continued operating and the rotor RPM dropped as the helicopter climbed to 10 feet. The wreckage examination failed to disclose any system malfunction or failures. The pilot was attempting to…
- [NTSB CHI87LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA072.md): Enstrom F-28A · Martinsville, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 1987 · N9257 · Destroyed
  > While landing to the east the plt was blinded by the sun and the acft struck telephone wires.
- [NTSB NYC87DNC01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DNC01.md): Enstrom F-28A · Belmont, NH · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 11, 1986 · N238Q · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter was in cruise flt when an engine failure occurred. The plt entered an autorotation and made a hard landing which collapsed the left front strut. The nose lowered as the tail cone rose and the main rotor made contact with the tail rotor. The…
- [NTSB NYC86LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA173.md): Enstrom F-28A · New York, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1986 · N149Q · Substantial damage
  > The plt performed a go-around due to excessive groundspeed during the first landing attempt. The plt reported that as he applied upward collective to terminate the second landing apch over the helipad, the helicopter descended rapidly. The helicopter…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=3300406&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('3300406'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=3300406

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