Accident Overview
On May 25, 2009, at approximately 1200 mountain daylight time, an Enstrom 280C helicopter, registration N5699N, impacted terrain during an attempted precautionary landing shortly after departing from Hinckley Airport in Ogden, Utah. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the helicopter, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal pleasure flight in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot of the reciprocating engine helicopter, immediately after transitioning through translational lift, he observed that the engine was over-boosted and that the main rotor blade RPM was decreasing. In response, he lowered the collective control in an attempt to reduce the boost and regain main rotor RPM. However, the helicopter began to sink at a rate that required an immediate transition to a landing. After touching down, the skids partially collapsed, the helicopter pitched forward, and the main rotor blades flexed downward sufficiently to sever the tail boom.
The pilot reported that the engine seemed to be running strong and smooth, and no issues with the flight control system were apparent.
Post-Accident Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the helicopter and monitored a post-accident test run of the engine. The inspector reported that no anomalies were found with either the airframe or the engine.