# NTSB SEA83LA194: Enstrom 280C, N999TP, N. Hailey, ID, August 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1983, 19:00 local (Aug 25, 1983, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: N. Hailey, ID
- Coordinates: 43.569263, -114.209335 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5693&lon=-114.2093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39766
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83LA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39766/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA194

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING TAKEOFF FROM A COUNTY ROAD (ELEVATION 5500 FT), HE ALLOWED THE RPM TO DROP 'BELOW GREEN.' REPORTEDLY, HE HAD A CHOICE OF EITHER SETTING THE HELICOPTER DOWN ON THE ROAD OR FLYING DOWN A SLOPE TO GAIN AIRSPEED. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE ROTOR RPM HAD SLOWED TO THE POINT THAT THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN HARD & THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS APRX 8000 FT. NO MECHANICAL ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N999TP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N999TP-2018-01-10), registration cancelled 2018-01-10, S/N 1040, built 1976 (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: 1040
- Airframe hours: 810
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wayne Eskridge
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 87 total, 87 in this make and model, 45 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BXI, 68 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 19830824045679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830824045679A), Aug 24, 1983: Enstrm 280C, Hailey, ID, Substantial damage. Allowed rotor RPM to decay on a high density altitude takeoff. Made hard landing and chopped off the tail rotor.

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.