On June 8, 2000, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N80193) was involved in an aviation accident near Kennewick, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot maneuvered the helicopter into a downwind position and approached its hovering capability, and lacked experience in operating at the critical hovering altitude necessary for the operation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter hovering over a cherry orchard lost power and landed between tree rows, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot attributed the event to maneuvering into a downwind position and approaching the helicopter's hovering capability.
Incident Details
A helicopter was conducting a cherry drying operation, hovering over a cherry orchard to use its rotor wash to dry the cherries. According to the aircraft occupants, while the helicopter was hovering 5 to 7 feet above the treetops, it began to lose power. The pilot attempted to land in an open field east of the orchard but was unable to reach it. The helicopter subsequently touched down between rows of cherry trees. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Pilot's Assessment
An FAA inspector reported that the pilot later concluded he had maneuvered the helicopter into a downwind position and had approached the hovering capability of the helicopter. The inspector further stated that the pilot demonstrated a lack of experience in operating the helicopter at the critical hovering altitude necessary for the type of operation he was attempting.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate issued 3 1/2 months before the accident. According to the FAA, the pilot had accumulated 400 total flight hours.
Probable cause
The pilot maneuvered the helicopter into a downwind position and approached its hovering capability, and lacked experience in operating at the critical hovering altitude necessary for the operation.