HANFORD, CA, USA
N159Q
ENSTROM F28A
AFTER ENPLANING THREE PEOPLE, WHOSE TOTAL WEIGHT WAS ESTIMATED AT 300 POUNDS, THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM A FAIR GROUND WITH A 9 TO 14 KNOT RIGHT QUARTERING TAIL WIND BLOWING. THE ENGINE AND MAIN ROTOR RPM DECREASED AS THE AIRCRAFT REACHED APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 40 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LANDING IN A PARKING LOT THAT WAS DIRECTLY AHEAD OF HIS POSITION. THE HELICOPTER TURNED RIGHT WHEN THE SKIDS TOUCHED THE GROUND AND ROLLED FORWARD ON ITS NOSE.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DURING THE TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT AND UNFAVORABLE WINDS THAT EXISTED AT THE TIME OF TAKEOFF.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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