On April 22, 1990, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N287Q) operated by Salaika, Tim was involved in an aviation accident near Danbury, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID WIRES DURING THE FINAL STAGE OF AN APPROACH TO A CONFINED AREA. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS AFTER HE LANDED THE FIRST TIME. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot landed at a private strip at night but instead of taxiing to the helipad, took off again. He made multiple approaches to a confined area, disregarding radio instructions. On the third approach, the aircraft struck power lines and crashed. No explanation was given.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducted a night landing at an operator's private airstrip. After landing, the pilot was instructed to taxi to the helipad. Instead of following this instruction, the pilot took off again and executed an approach to a confined area adjacent to the strip.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then disregarded radio instructions from the operator to leave the aircraft at that location. Instead, he proceeded to take off and execute two additional approaches to the same confined area. During the third approach, the aircraft struck power lines that were strung throughout the area and subsequently crashed.
Pilot Response
The pilot offered no explanation for his behavior or his disregard of the operator's instructions.
What happened in the 22 Apr 1990 Enstrom F-28A accident near Danbury, TX?
The pilot landed at a private strip at night but instead of taxiing to the helipad, took off again. He made multiple approaches to a confined area, disregarding radio instructions. On the third approach, the aircraft struck power lines and crashed. No explanation was given.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1990 involved an Enstrom F-28A, registration N287Q, operated by Salaika, Tim, at Danbury, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID WIRES DURING THE FINAL STAGE OF AN APPROACH TO A CONFINED AREA. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DISREGARD OF THE OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS AFTER HE LANDED THE FIRST TIME.
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