FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Spins Out of Control and Strikes Parked Vehicles During Patrol Flight (N625H)

Boulder, CO, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 1993 Enstrom F-28C accident near Boulder, CO?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 1993 involved an Enstrom F-28C, registration N625H, operated by Falcon Helicopters, Inc., at Boulder, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12600. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.