Casualties unknown

1988-09-18: Enstrom F28A (N249Q) — Celina, OH

Celina, OH, US

On September 18, 1988, an Enstrom F28A (registration N249Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Celina, OH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A helicopter pilot attempted three takeoffs; after two unsuccessful attempts with left pedal authority issues, the helicopter turned right and impacted an animal pen. The pilot reported a non-qualified person adjusted the tail rotor pitch before the flight.

Incident Overview

The pilot and owner of a newly purchased helicopter attempted three takeoffs during a single flight. The first two attempts were unsuccessful; the pilot reported being unable to obtain full left pedal authority. On the third attempt, shortly after becoming airborne, the helicopter made an abrupt right turn despite the pilot having the left pedal fully applied. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground in an area used as an animal pen.

Prior Maintenance Actions

The pilot stated that a person not qualified to perform maintenance had made an adjustment to the helicopter's tail rotor pitch before the accident flight. The specific nature of the adjustment and its relation to the pedal authority issues were not detailed.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated only two hours of flight time in this make and model of helicopter at the time of the accident.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the helicopter type, registration, engine configuration, date, operator, location, occupant count, injuries, or environmental conditions were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26796. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.