Accident Overview
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 1645 central daylight time, an Enstrom 280C helicopter (registration N280WR) was substantially damaged during a personal flight near Port Lavaca, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight Details
The helicopter was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot reported that he was repositioning the helicopter from his front yard to a movable landing platform. While hovering over the platform, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power.
Accident Sequence
Following the loss of engine power, the helicopter settled with the right skid on the platform, then rolled to the left. During the roll, the rotor blades struck the ground. The main rotor, tail rotor, tail boom, and stabilizers sustained substantial damage as a result.
Post-Accident Actions
The helicopter was recovered to a secure location. A post-accident examination has been planned to determine the cause of the engine power loss.