Enstrom F-28A-UK G-BAAU Fuel Exhaustion Accident at Shrewsbury

Accident Overview and Flight History On 15 December 2004, an Enstrom F-28A-UK helicopter, registration G-BAAU, was destroyed following a forced landing at Corporation Lane, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1972 and powered by a single Lycoming HIO-360-C1A piston engine, was operating a private flight. The 46-year-old pilot, holding a Private Pilot’s Licence with 105 hours of experience on type, was the sole occupant and sustained minor injuries to his left shoulder. The pilot had planned a solo round trip from Barton Airport, Manchester, to Nottingham and back, with a total planned distance of 156 nautical miles. He departed at 1150 hrs, arriving at Nottingham at 1312 hrs. Before the return leg, the pilot checked the fuel gauge and believed he had sufficient fuel to return to Barton without refuelling. He took off for the return journey at 1449 hrs. During the flight, the pilot initially flew toward the wrong navigational reference point, a mast on Darley Moor instead of Carlton Moor, which caused a delay in regaining the correct track. Upon correcting his course, he noted the fuel gauge showed a quarter tank remaining. Concerned about fuel sufficiency, he decided to make a precautionary landing to recalculate his fuel requirements. As he descended toward an open field at approximately 800 feet above ground level, the engine stopped without warning. The pilot entered autorotation and selected a small, relatively clear area for landing, though it was constrained by buildings, power lines, and trees. During the flare for touchdown, the tail struck rising ground, breaking off the tail rotor and rear tail boom. The helicopter then struck the ground heavily, coming to an immediate halt. The impact burst open both cabin doors and caused extensive damage, destroying the aircraft. The pilot remained in the helicopter to contact emergency services via mobile telephone before exiting to await their arrival.