What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-10-15 involved an Enstrom F-28A, registration N9238, at Shelburne, VT.

Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness During Landing Attempt (N9238)

On October 15, 1994, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N9238) was involved in an aviation accident near Shelburne, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation revealed the wind conditions were favorable for the loss of tail rotor effectiveness. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A helicopter pilot attempting to land on a friend's property experienced an uncommanded right turn and spin after turning southwest at low altitude, settling into trees. No mechanical malfunction found; wind conditions favorable for loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Incident Overview

A pilot was attempting to land a helicopter on the property of a friend when the aircraft entered an uncommanded right turn. According to the pilot, he made two passes to the north while searching for the landing site. After spotting the site, he turned right to the southwest to set up for a landing to the north and into the wind.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that after he turned southwest, at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the helicopter began spinning to the right at an increasing rate, reaching approximately one revolution per second. After about eight revolutions, the aircraft settled into trees.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the aircraft did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. The investigation revealed that the wind conditions were favorable for the loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which can occur when a helicopter enters a downwind or crosswind condition at low airspeed, leading to an uncommanded yaw.

Probable cause

The investigation revealed the wind conditions were favorable for the loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

1994-10-15: Enstrom F-28A (N9238) — Shelburne, VT