On June 27, 1993, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N625H) operated by Falcon Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE BY THE PILOT FLYING TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A sheriff's department helicopter performing a patrol flight spun to the right and struck two parked vehicles. The pilot cut power to stop the spin. No mechanical failure was found; the pilot suspected a wind shift.
Incident Overview
During a one-time rental patrol flight, sheriff's deputies air-taxied a helicopter near the dispatch building. The crew aimed the helicopter's spotlight through a window to alert the dispatcher that they were attempting to communicate via portable radio. The helicopter then began to spin to the right.
Loss of Control
After several revolutions, the pilot in command took control from the second pilot and reduced power to stop the spinning. He guided the helicopter to a police parking lot adjacent to the building, where it collided with two parked vehicles.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the tail rotor drive and control systems were not compromised. Investigators found no evidence of failure or malfunction in these systems.
Environmental Conditions
The actual wind conditions at the accident site are unknown. The pilot who was flying the helicopter stated that he thought a wind shift occurred and that he was attempting to turn into the wind when control was lost.