# NTSB NYC85LA208: Enstrom F-28F, N8623X, Groton, CT, August 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1985, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Groton, CT
- Location: 41.3249° N, 72.0669° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Groton, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3249&lon=-72.0669&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35943
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35943/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA208

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, landing
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,skid assembly - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ENSTROM F28F, N8623X WAS PERFORMING AUTO ROTATION AT GROTON-NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT WHEN A LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED, THE STUDENT PILOT WAS AT THE CONTROLS AND ENTERED AUTO ROTATION WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WOULD TERMINATE IN A POWER RECOVERY. AFTER THE FLARE WITH THE SKIDS LEVEL AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BEING THE MAINTAINED, COLLECTIVE PITCH WAS APPIED, AN INCREASE IN RPM WAS OBSERVED. THEN A RAPID DECREASE IN RPM OCCURRED. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT TOOK OVER IN AN ATTEMPT TO LAND ACFT STRAIGHT AHEAD. AT TOUCHDOWN THE HELICOPTER VEERED LEFT. THE SKIDS FAILED IN AN OUTWARD DIRECTION AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8623X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8623X-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 731, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM F-28F
- Registry model: [Enstrom F-28F](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-f-28f) (registry code 3300412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 731
- Airframe hours: 395
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-F-1AD 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Four Water Leasing, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: N04, MADISON, CT
- Destination: GON, GROTON, CT
- Airport: Groton, runway 23, 5,000 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,048 total, 118 in this make and model, 1,881 as pilot in command, 224 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 9 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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