# NTSB LAX82DA283: Enstrom F28C, N5688N, Phoenix, AZ, July 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1982, 07:35 local (14:35 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.299297, -112.199539 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2993&lon=-112.1995&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72214
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72214/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA283

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft - failure,total (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft - overload (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A COTTON FIELD AFTER TAIL ROTOR DRIVESHAFT FAILURE. EXAMINATION SHOWED A DUCTILESHEAR OVERLOAD FAILURE. NO EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE WAS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5688N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5688N-2018-03-05), registration cancelled 2018-03-05, S/N 495-2, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F28C
- Registry model: [Enstrom F-28C](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28c) (registry code 3300407) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming HIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-hio-360-series) (registry code 41524, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 495-2
- Airframe hours: 236
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-E1BD 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Darl J. Evans
- Registered owner: Darl J. Evans
- Departed: PHOENIX, AZ
- Destination: PHOENIX, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,097 total, 36 in this make and model, 2,887 as pilot in command, 54 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 198 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820731033829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820731033829A), Jul 31, 1982: Enstrm F28C, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Allowed tail rotor to strike ground during a spray run. Impact broke tail rotor drive shaft.

## Other investigations on N5688N (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR15CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA128), Mar 14, 2015: Enstrom F28 - C (N5688N), Shelby, MT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM during a low altitude operation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.

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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