# NTSB LAX99LA226: Enstrom F28C, N595H, Kaunakakai, HI, June 23, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 22, 1999, 19:45 local (Jun 23, 1999, 05:45 UTC) - Place: Kaunakakai, HI - Coordinates: 21.129941, -157.209548 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.1299&lon=-157.2095&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 14, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46636 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX99LA226 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46636/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA226 ## Probable cause The pilot encountered a dust devil during the takeoff transition from a dirt and grass area resulting in a loss of vision, disorientation, and subsequent collision with trees. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - loose objects (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - attempted, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - dust devil/whirlwind (contributing factor) - became lost/disoriented - encountered, pilot in command (cause) - light condition - dusk - object - tree(s) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot reported the helicopter was running well with no mechanical difficulties. During an after dusk departure from a ranch, he encountered a dust devil. Dust and grass blew into the cockpit blinding the pilot. While attempting to land, the helicopter collided with trees. ## Factual narrative On June 22, 1999, about 1945 hours Hawaiian standard time, an Enstrom F28C, N595H, sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during departure from a ranch at Kaunakakai, on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. The commercial pilot/ owner and passenger both sustained minor injuries. They were departing on a local personal flight and operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot stated the helicopter was running well and there was no mechanical failure. He estimated winds were variable from 040 to 080 degrees, and gusting from 25 to 35 knots. He entered hovering flight prior to departure and determined all systems were working, but noted it was after dusk. He stated that during the transition for departure he encountered a dust devil; blowing dust and debris filled the cockpit. Dirt got in his eyes, obscuring his vision as his eyes watered, and the helicopter collided with the trees as he tried to put it down. The pilot declined to complete a pilot/operator report. Federal Aviation Administration records indicated the pilot's total time was 2,500 hours. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N595H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N595H-2017-06-08), registration cancelled 2017-06-08, S/N 372 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Enstrom F28C - Registry model: [Enstrom F-28C](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28c) (registry code 3300407) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 372 - Airframe hours: 3650 - Engines: Lycoming HIO-360-E1AD 205 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Randall N. Spear - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 24, 1998 - Destination: HNL, HONOLULU, HI ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,500 total, 7 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 70° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: HMK, 6 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 19990622007519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990622007519A), Jun 22, 1999: Enstrm F28C, Kaunakakai Molo, HI, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot reported the helicopter was running well with no mechanical difficulties. During an after dusk departure from a ranch, he encountered a dust… ## Other investigations on N595H (4) 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 MIA05CA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05CA030), Nov 17, 2004: Enstrom F-28C (N595H), Panama City Bch, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper refueling of the helicopter resulting in loss of engine power do to fuel exhaustion and damage to the helicopter during the subsequent hard forced landing. - [NTSB LAX92LA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA362), Aug 20, 1992: Enstrom F28C (N595H), Irwindale, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF THE LANDING FLARE DURING A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION. - [NTSB LAX83LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA175), Mar 31, 1983: Enstrom F-28C (N595H), Chino, CA, substantial damage - [NTSB OAK77FJA13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77FJA13), Aug 4, 1977: Enstrom F28C (N595H), Honolulu, HI, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.