On May 7, 1987, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N13CM) operated by Aerotek was involved in an aviation accident near Fayetteville, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a hovering demonstration in hot weather, a helicopter's engine RPM dropped, leading to a hard landing short of a smooth area, with substantial damage.
Event Description
A pilot was demonstrating a helicopter to a prospective customer in a remote area with rough and uneven terrain. The outside air temperature was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the flight. The pilot reported hovering at an altitude of 3 to 5 feet while moving over the ground. He stated that there was no wind and that he was moving to allow fresh air to flow through the rotors.
Pilot Actions
While maneuvering, the pilot noticed a decrease in engine RPM and increased throttle to compensate. Despite applying full throttle, the RPM continued to decrease, and the helicopter began to descend. To avoid landing on the rough and uneven terrain, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter back to the spot he had initially approached. This diversion made an immediate touchdown problematic as he moved toward a smooth landing area.
Damage and Inspection
The helicopter subsequently made a hard landing short of the intended landing area, sustaining substantial damage. An inspection of the helicopter revealed no mechanical malfunction.