# NTSB NYC85LA143: Enstrom 280C, N5694Y, S.Woodstock, VT, June 9, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1985, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: S.Woodstock, VT
- Location: 43.5602° N, 72.5270° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of South Woodstock, VT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5602&lon=-72.5270&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35888
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35888/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA143

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF RPM ON LIFTOFF AND RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE PLT STATED THAT ON LIFTOFF TO APRX 50 FT AGL, THE RPM DROPPED OFF TO 2800 AND A LOSS OF CLIMB RESULTED. THE PLT DESCENDED IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE THE ROTOR RPM, HOWEVER, IT WAS TOO LATE. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH A CHAIN LINK FENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5694Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5694Y-1989-09-12), registration cancelled 1989-09-12, S/N 1200 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM 280C
- Registry model: [Enstrom Helicopter 280C](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-helicopter-280c) (registry code 3300505) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1200
- Airframe hours: 303
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-E1BD 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gordon H. Holmes
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1985, 48 hours before
- Departed: S. WOODSTOCK, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 142 total, 142 in this make and model, 98 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft unknown
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 90 °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 19850609026909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850609026909A), Jun 9, 1985: Enstrm 280C, South Woodstock, VT, Substantial damage. Rotor RPM decreased after liftoff. Descended and collided with a fence. Misjudged climb performance of the aircraft

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.