# NTSB SEA92LA112: Enstrom 280FX, N86239, Wenatchee, WA, May 30, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1992, 07:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Wenatchee, WA
- Coordinates: 47.490501, -120.18991 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4905&lon=-120.1899&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41686
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41686/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA112

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  OBJECT (FENCE POST) AND WINDSHIELD DIRTY (FOGGY)

## 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
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)
  - object - fence post (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING FINAL APPROACH TO LAND, THE HELICOPTER'S RIGHT SPRAY BOOM STRUCK A METAL FENCE POST RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE HELICOPTER SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES IMPACTED NEARBY POWER LINES. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE FENCE POST AND THAT THE HELICOPTER'S WINDSCREEN WAS OBSCURED WITH CHEMICAL SPRAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N86239](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N86239), registered now, S/N 2008 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ENSTROM 280FX
- Registry model: [Enstrom 280FX](https://openairdocs.org/model/enstrom-280fx) (registry code 3300506) (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: 2008
- Airframe hours: 925
- Engines: LYCOMING HIO-360-F1AD 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Pfisters Farm Aviation Inc.
- Registered owner: Falcon West Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 14, 1992, 80 hours before
- Departed: MALAGA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,262 total, 80 in this make and model, 80 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAT, 2 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 19920530017199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920530017199A), May 30, 1992: Enstrm 280FX, Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage. Right spray boom hit fence. Lost control. Main rotors hit powerline. Pilot reported windscreen obscured by chemical

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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