# NTSB ANC87FA137: Enstrom F-28F, N8622A, Anchorage, AK, September 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1987, 14:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Anchorage, AK
- Coordinates: 61.139484, -149.760818 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.1395&lon=-149.7608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4786
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87FA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4786/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87FA137

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE HELICOPTER WAS SEEN FLYING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET AGL DOWN THE LENGTH OF A PRIVATE GRAVEL AIRSTRIP NEAR ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. A NEARBY JOGGER SAID THAT THE PILOT APPEARED TO WAVE AT HIM AS HE FLEW PAST AND THEN HE HEARD THE HELICOPTER CRASH SEVERAL SECONDS LATER. THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A TREE WITH ITS MAIN ROTOR BLADE 16'4' ABOVE THE GROUND. THE PILOT, A LOCAL PHYSICIAN, HAD ACCUMULATED APPROXIMATELY 14 HOURS IN THE ENSTROM F-28F OVER THE PRECEEDING 3 YEARS. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS HIS FIRST FLIGHT, OTHER THAN A SHORT FERRY FLIGHT, SINCE THE HELICOPTER HAD BEEN PLACED IN STORAGE 10 MONTHS EARLIER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8622A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8622A-1990-03-28), registration cancelled 1990-03-28, S/N 714 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F-28F
- Registry model: [Enstrom F-28F](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28f) (registry code 3300412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 714
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360FIAD 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Edward D. Arbow
- Registered owner: Chris M. Schimschat
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 14, 1987, 3 hours before
- Departed: ANC, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Airport: CSR, Campbell Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 604 total, 14 in this make and model, 416 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 10 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 37 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870905050079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870905050079A), Sep 5, 1987: Enstrm F28C, Anchorage, AK, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Appears pilot lost control in climbout. Crashed into trees south of runway. Localized post impact fire.

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.

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