Casualties unknown

1983-06-17: Enstrom 280C (N51738) — Four Winds Aviation — Frisco, TX

Frisco, TX, US

On June 17, 1983, an Enstrom 280C (registration N51738) operated by Four Winds Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Frisco, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During flight, a helicopter's low pressure fuel light illuminated and the nose yawed left. The pilot made a precautionary landing in a soft, plowed field. The skids sank, causing the nose to dip. Aft cyclic application resulted in main rotors impacting the tail boom.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during flight, the low pressure fuel light illuminated and the nose of the helicopter yawed to the left, as if the engine had lost power. In response, the pilot executed a precautionary landing in a soft, plowed field with a forward speed of approximately 10 to 15 miles per hour.

Landing Sequence

During the landing, the nose of the helicopter dipped down as the skids sank into the plowed ground. The pilot applied aft cyclic to stop the nose-down motion. Subsequently, the main rotors impacted the tail boom.

Examination Findings

An examination of the helicopter revealed no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43351. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.