# NTSB CHI87LA072: Enstrom F-28A, N9257, Martinsville, IN, January 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1987, 09:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Martinsville, IN
- Coordinates: 39.419746, -86.420829 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4197&lon=-86.4208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13724
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13724/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA072

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE LANDING TO THE EAST THE PLT WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN AND THE ACFT STRUCK TELEPHONE WIRES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9257](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9257-2003-08-19), registration cancelled 2003-08-19, S/N 232, built 1974 (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 HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 232
- Airframe hours: 1400
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-C1B 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Otis F. Eggers
- Registered owner: Otis Eggers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PARAGON, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 538 total, 46 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 17 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BMG, 20 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 19870131001999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870131001999A), Jan 31, 1987: Enstrm F28A, Martinsville, IN, Destroyed. The helicopter struck a wire during landing practice. Student reported the sun obscured his vision.

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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