# NTSB DEN85FA134: Enstrom F-28F, N8618A, Carrizozo, NM, May 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 12, 1985, 17:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Carrizozo, NM
- Coordinates: 33.640056, -105.879081 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6401&lon=-105.8791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16539
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85FA134
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16539/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FA134

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,pump - worn (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,pump - siphoning (contributing factor)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT DEPARTED ALBIQUERQUE, NM WITH LESS THAN FULL FUEL TANKS AND A WORN OUT ENG DRIVEN FUEL PUMP WHICH ALLOWED FUEL TO BE PUMPED OVERBOARD. NO FLT PLAN WAS FILED. DURING HIS VMC X-COUNTRY FLT, THE ENG FAILED AND AN UNSUCCESSFUL AUTOROTATION RESULTED IN FATAL INJURIES. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INACCURATE AND NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE LINES SUPPLYING FUEL TO THE ENG. THE ENG WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8618A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8618A-2013-05-02), registration cancelled 2013-05-02, S/N 703, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F-28F
- Registry model: [Enstrom F-28F](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28f) (registry code 3300412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 703
- Airframe hours: 438
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 FIAD 225 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: O-O Ranch Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, December 21, 1984, 2 hours before
- Departed: ABQ, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Destination: CARRIZOZO, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; student; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 121 total, 83 in this make and model, 37 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850512017919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850512017919A), May 12, 1985: Enstrm F28F, Carrizozo, NM, Destroyed. Main fuel pump seal worn, fuel leaked. Tank sending unit rusty,false fuel signal. Out of fuel. Too low for landing.

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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