On March 18, 2001, an Enstrom F-28C (registration N637H) was involved in an aviation accident near Hollister, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate use of the antitorque controls and subsequent failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the takeoff initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost control of a single-engine helicopter after takeoff from a field behind his house. The helicopter spun, landed hard on its tail, and came to rest on its left side. Inspection found no preimpact anomalies in the antitorque control system.
Accident Details
A private pilot was operating a single-engine helicopter that had departed from a field behind his residence. According to the pilot, the helicopter reached an altitude of approximately 50 to 70 feet when it abruptly rotated to the left by about 90 degrees. The rotation then changed direction, with the helicopter spinning to the right by 180 degrees. The pilot reported that the controls did not respond normally to his inputs.
In response, the pilot reduced engine power and lowered the collective control. The helicopter then descended and impacted the ground tail-first. After impact, the aircraft spun around to the left before coming to rest on its left side.
Post-Accident Inspection
An examination of the helicopter's antitorque control system was conducted following the accident. No anomalies were found that would have contributed to a loss of control prior to the impact.