What happened
On 21 September 1998, an Enstrom 280FX, registration G-BSIE, was conducting a private flight from Barton toward a helipad in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester. During a normal approach in nil wind conditions, the pilot noticed a change in the engine's sound accompanied by a rightward yaw as the aircraft approached a 13-foot boundary fence.
In response to this change, the pilot elected to divert from the intended helipad and attempt a landing in a nearby field. Because the ground was soft due to recent heavy rainfall, the right skid of the helicopter dug into the earth. This caused the aircraft to tip onto its right side. The pilot escaped through the left door without any injuries, and no fire occurred during the incident.
The investigation
Following the accident, the aircraft was transported to a maintenance facility for a technical assessment. The investigation focused on the engine's performance and the physical damage sustained by the airframe. The impact resulted in damage to the rotor blades, the mast head, the right side of the fuselage, and the right skid.
An examination of the engine revealed witness marks between the cooling fan and the structure. These marks indicated that the engine had ceased operation prior to the damage being sustained. However, a visual inspection of the engine's exterior showed no outward signs of mechanical failure or defect.
Findings
- The helicopter tipped over because the right skid dug into the soft, rain-soaked ground during the landing attempt.
- The pilot's decision to divert to an adjacent field was prompted by an engine note change and a rightward yaw.
- The aircraft sustained enough damage to be declared an insurance write-off.