# NTSB FTW83LA287: Enstrom 280C, N51738, Frisco, TX, June 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1983, 19:30 local (Jun 17, 1983, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Frisco, TX
- Coordinates: 33.140251, -96.809974 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1403&lon=-96.8100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20939
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA287
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20939/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA287

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Nose down, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING FLT, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED & THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE LEFT AS IF THE ENG HAD LOST POWER. HE MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A SOFT, PLOWED FIELD WITH A FORWARD SPEED OF ABOUT 10 TO 15 MPH. DURING THE LANDING, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER DIPPED DOWN AS THE SKIDS SANK IN THE PLOWED GROUND. THE PLT APPLIED AFT CYCLIC TO STOP THE NOSE DOWN MOTION & THE MAIN ROTORS IMPACTED THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE HELICOPTER REVEALED NO PREIMPACT, MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51738](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51738-2014-10-27), registration cancelled 2014-10-27, S/N 1140, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM 280C
- Registry model: [Enstrom Helicopter 280C](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-helicopter-280c) (registry code 3300505) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HI0-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hi0-360-series) (registry code 41553, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1140
- Airframe hours: 605
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-E 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Four Winds Aviation
- Registered owner: Nick R. Buschur
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TX05, DALLAS, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 9,369 total, 69 in this make and model, 9,152 as pilot in command, 142 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19830616039049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830616039049A), Jun 16, 1983: Enstrm 280C, Frisco, TX, Substantial damage. Low fuel light and yaw. Autorotated onto soft ground. Tilted on landing. Rotors cut off tailboom. Cause unknown.

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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