# NTSB ATL87DEG05: Enstrom F-28A, N180Q, Wilmington, OH, April 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 30, 1987, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Wilmington, OH
- Coordinates: 39.439346, -83.829399 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4393&lon=-83.8294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7222
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87DEG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7222/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87DEG05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

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 TAKEOFF FROM A CONFINED AREA. THE PILOT USED IMPROPER TAKEOFF PROCEDURES FOR THE TERRAIN CONDITIONS. THE PILOT HAS 10 HOURSIN THE F-28A AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N180Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N180Q-2012-08-13), registration cancelled 2012-08-13, S/N 262, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F-28A
- Registry model: [Enstrom F-28A](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28a) (registry code 3300406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 262
- Airframe hours: 2674
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-C1B 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: William L. Bowman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 3, 1987, 53 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 266 total, 10 in this make and model, 46 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: LUK, 33 nm away

## 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 19870430012739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870430012739A), Apr 30, 1987: Enstrm F28A, Wilmington, OH, Substantial damage. The helicopter settled into the ground during takeoff. Thepilot increased collective too rapidly for conditions.

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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