On July 9, 1995, an Enstrom F-28A (registration N203Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain safe operating rotor rpm on takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot reported a loss of rotor rpm during takeoff over the Delaware River, leading to the aircraft contacting the water and sinking. The pilot stated he failed to maintain safe rotor rpm.
Incident Details
A helicopter pilot maneuvered the aircraft for takeoff to the east, over the Delaware River. As the helicopter entered effective translational lift, it began to sink, and rotor rpm decreased. The pilot increased the throttle, but the rotor rpm did not increase in time. The skids contacted the water, resulting in the helicopter going into the water and sinking.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated, "I do not believe that there was a mechanical problem . . . I failed to maintain safe operating (rotor) rpm on takeoff." He also stated, "he didn't give enough throttle and didn't stay ahead of the (rotor) rpm."
Conclusion
No mechanical issues were identified by the pilot. The event was attributed to the pilot not maintaining sufficient rotor rpm during the takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain safe operating rotor rpm on takeoff.