# NTSB NYC85FA015: Enstrom 280C, N51686, Butler, PA, October 28, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 28, 1984, 10:10 local (15:10 UTC)
- Place: Butler, PA
- Coordinates: 40.859378, -79.890632 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8594&lon=-79.8906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35786
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35786/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA015

## 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
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE STATIC LINE OF A HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE WHILE ON A FLT TO PHOTOGRAPH AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE OWNER OF THE COMPLEX ACCOMPANIED THE PLT ON THE FLT, THERE AFTER THE ACFT WAS TO BE USED FOR PASSENGER SIGHTSEEING FLTS AS PART OF SALES PROMOTION FOR A RESTAURANT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER STRUCK THE LINE, THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN & HIT THE HILLSIDE & CONTINUED ITS CRASH TRAJECTORY ONTO HWY 68. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DID NOT REVEAL ANY PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51686](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51686-2014-10-27), registration cancelled 2014-10-27, S/N 1113, built 1977 (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: 1113
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-E1AD 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Action Air Helicopters,Inc.
- Registered owner: Roy E. Ferree
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 10, 1984, 4 hours before
- Departed: BUTLER, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 372 total, 187 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIT, 23 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 19841028058679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841028058679A), Oct 28, 1984: Enstrm 280C, Butler, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Rear of helicopter struck a high transmission static line on approach to landing area. Pitched down, struck ground.

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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